Economy

Slight Increase in PMI in March
Slight Increase in PMI in March

The PMI (Purchasing Managers Index), published by BlomInvest, reached 49.4 points in March compared to 49.1 the previous month. This slight improvement demonstrates a certain flexibility in the local market. Commenting on this figure, BLOM Invest analyst Stephanie Aoun indicated that the PMI recorded a slight increase, primarily due to the ...

Finance: A Decision and a Deadline Extension
Finance: A Decision and a Deadline Extension

Caretaker Minister of Finance Youssef el-Khalil issued a decision on Friday clarifying the tax treatment of interest paid by taxpayers. Accordingly, income taxpayers who pay interest must declare this interest quarterly and pay the tax due within 15 days of the end of each quarter, after deducting tax at the rate of 17% on 50% of this ...

EU: Reforms Need to Be Implemented in Lebanon
EU: Reforms Need to Be Implemented in Lebanon

The European Union has insisted on the priority for Lebanon to implement "agreed key reforms (as part of the agreement signed with the International Monetary Fund in 2022)" in order to restore the trust of international actors and Lebanese citizens in the financial system" and help "avoid Lebanon being trapped in a perpetual cycle of ...

Banque De L'habitat: Cabinet Accepts Request for Loan From Abu Dhabi Fund
Banque De L'habitat: Cabinet Accepts Request for Loan From Abu Dhabi Fund

During its meeting on Thursday, the Council of Ministers approved the request made by the Banque de l'Habitat (BDH) for a subsidized loan from the Abu Dhabi Development Fund. The government agreed to entrust the Council for Development and Reconstruction (CDR) with the task of contacting the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development and requesting a loan for ...

Towards a Minimum Wage of LBP 50 Million?
Towards a Minimum Wage of LBP 50 Million?

On Thursday, the Council of Ministers approved an increase in the minimum wage in the private sector to LBP 18 million, as well as a 100% increase in school allowances. Thus, the minimum wage rises from LBP 9 to 18 million, fully declared to the National Social Security Fund and integrated into the basic salary. Regarding school allowances, for ...

Private Sector Salary Increase Approved by Cabinet
Private Sector Salary Increase Approved by Cabinet

The Cabinet approved on Thursday an increase of the minimum wage in the private sector to 18 million Lebanese pounds, as well as a 100% increase in school allowances. Thus, the minimum wage rises from 9 to 18 million pounds, fully declared to Social Security and integrated into the basic salary. With regard to school allowances, for the children ...

Ogero Secures 880 Billion Lebanese Pounds
Ogero Secures 880 Billion Lebanese Pounds

The Cabinet has approved the amount of 880 billion Lebanese pounds for salary increases over the next three months for employees of Ogero, Lebanon's public telecommunications and internet provider. While trying to remain optimistic, the employees' union maintains its deadline of April 15 for the government to meet all of its demands. As ...

Salaries of Civil Servants and Military Personnel Transferred to BDL
Salaries of Civil Servants and Military Personnel Transferred to BDL

The Ministry of Finance announced, in a press release on Wednesday, that it had transferred all civil servants' salaries and retirees' pensions to the Banque du Liban (BDL). Those concerned will be able to collect them from private banks starting Friday morning, April 5. Of note, the Ministry transferred the salaries of military personnel in the ...

Fayad: The Energy Sector Has Clearly Improved
Fayad: The Energy Sector Has Clearly Improved

Caretaker Minister of Energy Walid Fayad affirmed on Wednesday that "the structural situation of the energy sector has clearly improved." In an interview with LBCI TV channel, he asserted that "the sector could now move in the right direction." "In terms of tariffs, subsidies have been removed, and the foundations have been laid for financial ...

Investors Risking Extinction?
Investors Risking Extinction?

Lebanon has unfortunately become one of the worst countries for investment. It's as if we intentionally sought this. There's no other way to explain it. Our "country risk" was often already problematic. But now, as the crisis engulfs us, even the slightest attempt to start any business has become an uphill battle. The obstacles are surely known to ...

Ogero on Strike Again Wednesday and Thursday
Ogero on Strike Again Wednesday and Thursday

The Ogero employees' union will observe a second warning strike on Wednesday, April 3, and Thursday, April 4, within a week. It has granted the government "a deadline until April 15 to respond to all its salary demands, without exception." These demands will be discussed at the next Council of Ministers meeting. All Ogero centers and offices will ...

Gold Hits Another Record
Gold Hits Another Record

Gold prices nailed another historic peak Tuesday and oil extended gains over rising tensions in the Middle East, while stocks wilted as traders worried whether the rally has run its course. The haven precious metal advanced as high as $2,266.85 per ounce, gaining 0,5% in morning London deals to extend its blistering record-breaking run, driven ...