Copyright 2008 IPS – Inter Press Service/Global Information Network
BEIRUT, Lebanon, Feb 6 2008
The yr 2008 grim Lebanese businesses: Struggles nation’s permanent protest movement, security problems, brief war Palestinian refugee camp sporadic bombings he brought nation knees.
Most recently bomb tore th bustling Chevrolet outskirts Beirut Jan. 25, killing Captain Wissam Eid Internal Security Forces.
As political situation tips direction widespread insecurity, however, Lebanese businesses country clinging motto, “the on.” Expansion word street Beirut, matter uncertain future hold.
ABC, major department store mall seven outlets, main flagship stores staff me tn 1,000 currently revamping main branches Dbayeh.
“In March, launching section extending or entire floor 8,000 square meters dedicated children, dubbed Kidsville. ao include 500 square meter playground, array kids’ accessories coffee shop, La Mie Doree,” Robert Fadel, ABC’s manager. sd store Ashrafieh suburb Beirut adding extension playground expanse 800 square meters.
The Johnny R. Saade ao jumping expansion bandwagon. travel tourism arm, Wild Discovery, wl setting shop Kaslik northeast Lebanon months.
“We decided push forward wh branches Lebanon despite prevailing situation, following simple strategy invest position oneself times relative crisis prepare inevitable economic political recovery tt foreseen,” Sandro Saade, company’s owners.
“This justified strategic objective cover northern Beirut area, we te demand high-quality travel services.”
The company’s real estate arm boasts $30 million residential project sprawling or 18,000 square meters Beirut’s posh suburbs. addition, developing winery Bekaa Valley, near villages Kefraya Tell-Denoub, covering 50-hectare swath land. project estimated $25 million employ 50 people, excluding seasonal workers.
“The Lebanon venture wl integrate complementary projects, wine museum boutique hotel, ‘h”tel charme’” 30 35 rooms, Karim Saade, company owner.
It names tt taking leap faith io murky Lebanese waters.
Nehme Lebbos, founder Iloubnan, news portal Lebanon, left home country 1991 consultant 12 ys France coming back.
“I wd ce bk left. started IIoubnan March 2005 help wife, French journalist,” Lebbos said. “It Web magazine dovetailed wh e-commerce wing.”
The entrepreneur poured savings io ts venture, relying bank loan, well. company’s recent success allowed increase operations, fr journalists employed full-time basis network 20 freelance journalists ad world.
A shared vision Lebanon ss cement diverse business figures. “Lebanon homeland believe country,” Fadel said. hand, Lebbos conscious risks incur nonetheless determined promote change home country.
Although companies investing Lebanon, my looked taking business abroad. ABC Jordan March. “The company bring Jordanian market spirit Lebanon, aims leading trendy shopping destination,” Fadel said.
Similarly, Saade brothers relying international network agencies tr tourism activity launching winery neighboring Syria. trying counter negative business environment highlighting quality services. Wild Discovery investing in-house sales training program expected enhance team’s knowledge technical skills.
For entrepreneurs, essential rationale linking tr projects endorsing Lebanon brand region. Lebbos believes ct help yg Lebanese people. “They travel, study abroad, graduate experience foreign countries,” said, “then invest Lebanon.”
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