http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/http://mediaserver.fxstreet.com/images/fxstreet-provider-logo1-en.gif7http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2009-11-16.htmlWORLD BANK REPORT According to the World Bank report titled “From Privilege to Competition- Unlocking Private–Led Growth in the Middle East and North Africa”, Lebanon ranks 1st among 9 countries in terms of “efficiency of credit markets”. MOF AID COORDINATION NEWSLETTER UPDATE According to the Ministry of Finance (“MOF”) Aid Coordination Newsletter number 24, the aggregate value of agreements (signed and disbursed) with international donors reached €43.47 million and $3.46 million during theMon, 16 Nov 2009 06:14:35 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2009-11-16.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2009-11-09.htmlLEBANON’S NET FOREIGN ASSETS IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 2009 The net foreign assets’ account at Lebanon’s Central Bank and at banks and financial institutions posted a surplus of $475.1 million during the month of September 2009. ACTIVITY ON THE BEIRUT STOCK EXCHANGE IN OCTOBER 2009 According to the Beirut Stock Exchange (BSE) monthly bulletin, traded value plunged by 44.88% yo- y to $882.31 million by the end of October 2009. BEIRUT HOTEL PERFORMANCE IN SEPTEMBER 2009 According to Deloitte’sMon, 09 Nov 2009 06:31:45 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2009-11-09.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2009-11-02.htmlUNDP RELEASES ARAB KNOWLEDGE REPORT 2009 The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) published on October 28, 2009 its first issue of the Arab Knowledge Report titled “Arab Knowledge Report 2009 – Towards Productive Intercommunication of Knowledge” in which it screens the “state of knowledge” in the Arab World. IMF REPORT ON THE MIDDLE EAST REGIONAL TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER (METAC) According to the IMF’s “Middle East Regional Technical Assistance Center (METAC)” report dated SeptemberMon, 02 Nov 2009 13:08:44 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2009-11-02.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2009-10-26.htmlWORLD BANK 2009 PUBLICATION The World Bank Group published in October 2009 a report titled “Status of Projects in Execution- FY09, Middle East and North Africa Region” unveiling a current World Bank portfolio in Lebanon comprising of 9 projects for total commitment amount of $244.61 million. CENTRAL BANK GOVERNOR URGES LEBANESE BANKS TO ENCOURAGE LBP LENDING  According to the Lebanese press, the Lebanese Central Bank Governor recently urged Lebanese commercial banks to encourage LBPMon, 26 Oct 2009 09:48:08 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2009-10-26.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2009-10-19.htmlIMF Releases October 2009 Regional Economic Outlook According to the October 2009 Regional Economic Outlook report for the Middle East and Central Asia region published by the International Monetary Fund, the Middle East and Central Asia region is starting to recuperate from the global financial crisis, albeit at a slow and steady pace. Beirut Hotel Performance in August 2009 According to Deloitte’s latest report on hotel Performance in the Middle East, Beirut achieved an impressive annualMon, 19 Oct 2009 05:52:58 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2009-10-19.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2009-10-12.htmlUNDP Ranks Lebanon among Countries with High Human Development According to the United Nations Development Program’s (UNDP) 2009 Human Development annual report, Lebanon’s 2009 Global Index value stood at 0.803, positioning Lebanon 83rd among 182 surveyed countries and 8th in the Arab region. Balance of Trade Through August 2009 On the current account side of the balance of payment, Lebanon’s Higher Customs Council conveyed a $545 million annual expansion in Lebanon’s balance of trade deficitMon, 12 Oct 2009 10:50:36 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2009-10-12.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2009-09-22.htmlIndustrial Exports and Imports of Equipment & Machinery Through July 2009 The Ministry of Industry conveyed a 13.37% annual contraction in Lebanon’s industrial exports to $1,516 million through July 2009, down from $1,750 million a year earlier. Number of Tourists Through August 2009 According to the Lebanese Ministry of Tourism, the number of tourists arriving to Lebanon rose markedly by 45.07% to 1,284,945 tourists through August 2009, up from 885,729 in the same period in 2008. TheTue, 22 Sep 2009 12:32:14 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2009-09-22.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2009-09-08.htmlBudget Deficit in the First Half of 2009 On the Public Finance Front, Lebanon’s fiscal deficit (budgetary & treasury) widened to $1.56 billion in the first half of 2009 from $1.32 billion in the same period last year. Beirut Airport Activity through July 2009 The Beirut International Airport (BIA) prolonged its dynamic activity during the month of July 2009, posting a 28.84% annual increase in the number of passengers to 2,708,962, including transit travelers. The Lebanese Banking SectorTue, 08 Sep 2009 10:08:20 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2009-09-08.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2009-08-04.htmlRegistered Construction Permits in the First Half of 2009 Statistics released by the Order of Engineers uncover that Lebanon’s registered construction permits expanded to 1,785,467 sqm in June 2009. Beirut Port Activity in the First Half of 2009 The Beirut port freight activity was up by an annual 8.40% reaching 3.12 million tons in the first half of 2009. Consumer Prices Up By 0.6% in June 2009 According to the Central Administration of Statistics (CAS), Lebanon’s consumer basket of pricesTue, 04 Aug 2009 10:57:43 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2009-08-04.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2009-07-20.htmlIndustrial Exports and Imports of Equipment & Machinery through May 2009 The Ministry of Industry reported a 6.73% annual contraction in Lebanon’s industrial exports to $1,123 million through May 2009, down from $1,204 million a year earlier. Kafalat Loans in the First Half of 2009 Statistics published by the government-subsidized program “KAFALAT” reveal a noticeable increase in the number of guarantees issued by Kafalat to 499 up to the month of June 2009. Number of Tourists in the FirstMon, 20 Jul 2009 13:48:15 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2009-07-20.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2009-07-13.htmlCleared Checks in the First Half of 2009 According to Banque Du Liban “BDL” statistics, the value of cleared checks firmed at LBP 37,946 billion (5,852,963 checks) in the first half of 2009. MOF Aid Coordination Newsletter Update According to the Ministry of Finance (“MOF”) Aid Coordination Newsletter number 20, the aggregate value of agreements (signed and disbursed) with international donors reached $32 million and €25 million in June 2009. Interest Rates Activity in the Lebanese BankingMon, 13 Jul 2009 13:47:43 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2009-07-13.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2009-07-06.htmlActivity on the Beirut Stock Exchange in June 2009 According to the Beirut Stock Exchange (BSE) monthly bulletin, traded value plunged by 30.95% y-oy to $476.01 million by the end of June 2009 Budget Deficit in the First Five Months of 2009 On the Public Finance Front, Lebanon’s fiscal deficit (budgetary & treasury) widened to $1.41 billion up to May 2009 from $1.36 billion in the same period last year. Capital Intelligence Upgrades Lebanon’s Ratings According to a press release by CapitalMon, 06 Jul 2009 13:11:36 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2009-07-06.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2009-06-30.htmlThe Lebanese Banking Sector in April 2009 In the banking sector, the consolidated balance sheet of commercial banks in Lebanon reveals a 1.73% monthly expansion in total banking sector assets to LBP 150,189 billion ($99.63 billion) in April 2009, up from LBP 147,640 billion ($97.94 billion) in March 2009. Balance of Trade Through April 2009 On the current account side of the balance of payment, Lebanon’s Higher Customs Council conveyed a $150 million annual expansion in Lebanon’s balance ofTue, 30 Jun 2009 08:30:50 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2009-06-30.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2009-06-15.htmlBanque Du Liban's Reserves In the Second Half of May 2009 Banque Du Liban’s (BDL) balance sheet reveals a 1.15% ($261.71 million) bi-weekly appreciation in Lebanon’s gross foreign currency reserves during the second half of May 2009 to $23.10 billion. Registered Construction Permits in May 2009 According to the Order of Engineers' statistics, Lebanon’s registered construction permits expanded to 860,597 sqm in May 2009, up by 16.04% on an annual basis from 741,638 sqm in May 2008. KafalatMon, 15 Jun 2009 11:41:39 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2009-06-15.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2009-06-02.htmlPayment Cards In April 2009 Banque Du Liban (BDL) statistics revealed a healthy 8.05% annual expansion in the number of payment cards in Lebanon (debit and credit cards) reaching 1,601,215 cards as at end of April 2009. Lebanese Government Completes Plan to Mitigate Global Financial Crisis According to the Lebanese press, the Lebanese government approved recently a plan aimed at shielding the Lebanese economy from the global financial crisis. Moody’s Places Deposit Ratings for Three LebaneseTue, 02 Jun 2009 05:34:21 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2009-06-02.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2009-05-26.htmlRegistered Construction Permits in April 2009 According to the Order of Engineers' statistics, Lebanon’s registered construction permits slowed to 844,580 sqm in April 2009, down by 2.05% on an annual basis from 862,212 sqm in April 2008. Number of Tourists Through April 2009 Lebanese Ministry of Tourism statistics unveiled a staggering 56.79% annual increase in the number of tourists’ arrivals to Lebanon, reaching 434,418 tourists through April 2009. Lebanese Central Bank Governor Expects 3%Tue, 26 May 2009 10:59:58 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2009-05-26.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2009-05-18.htmlBeirut Port Activity through April 2009 The Beirut port freight activity witnessed a timid 1.10% expansion on an annual basis to 1.978 million tons through April 2009. Beirut Airport Activity through April 2009 The Beirut International Airport (BIA) sustained its dynamic activity through April 2009, with a 21.38% annual growth in the number of passengers to 1,278,411, including transit travelers. Moody’s Outlook on Lebanon Moody’s Investors Service, the international rating agency, upgraded inMon, 18 May 2009 11:19:15 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2009-05-18.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2009-05-12.htmlBanque Du Liban (BDL) statistics revealed a robust 9.08% annual expansion in the number of payment cards in Lebanon (debit and credit cards) reaching 1,592,633 cards in March 2009 Activity on the Beirut Stock Exchange In April 2009 According to the Beirut Stock Exchange (BSE) monthly bulletin, traded value contracted by 6.47% yo- y to $230.51 million through April 2009. Kafalat Loans Through April 2009 Statistics released by the government-subsidized program “KAFALAT” unveil a sizeableTue, 12 May 2009 06:00:46 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2009-05-12.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2009-05-05.htmlInterest Rates Activity in the Lebanese Banking Sector Banque Du Liban (BDL) statistics uncover a shy monthly contraction in the average interest rate on Lebanese-pound denominated deposits to 7.13% in February 2009 IMF Releases Global Financial Stability Report According to the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) latest “Global Financial Stability Report” released on April 22, 2009, the global economy is expected to slow by 1.3% in 2009. Byblos Bank’s Financial Performance In the FirstTue, 05 May 2009 07:32:53 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2009-05-05.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2009-04-08.html226 Suspected Money Laundering- Related Cases in Lebanon Over 2008 According to the Lebanese Press, the eighth report published by the Special Investigation Commission (SIC) unveiled that the total number of suspected money launderingrelated cases attained 226 in 2008. Lower Mobile Rates as of April According to the Lebanese press, the Lebanese Telecommunications Minister announced that new and cheaper pricing schemes will be introduced during the month of April on prepaid cards. Moody’sWed, 08 Apr 2009 06:13:38 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2009-04-08.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2009-03-19.htmlBeirut Airport Activity In February 2009 The Beirut International Airport (BIA) activity rallied by a staggering 18.71% during the first two months of 2009 owing to a more relaxed and stable political environment. IMF Extends $4 Million Donation to Lebanon According to the Lebanese press, the Lebanese Minister of Finance penned a donation agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a total consideration of $4 million. Tax Free Shopping Up To February 2009 The Global Refund on TaxThu, 19 Mar 2009 11:51:57 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2009-03-19.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2009-02-18.htmlPublic Housing Institution Total Loan Applications Attain 6,323 The Public Housing Institution unveiled a 9.02% expansion in the total number of loan applications to 6,323 90% of which were approved in 2008. Banque Du Liban's Reserves In The Second Half Of February 2009 Banque Du Liban’s (BDL) bi-weekly balance sheet unveils a vivid 1.29% ($265.71 million) expansion in Lebanon’s gross foreign currency reserves during the second half of February 2009 to $20.91 billion. Beirut Airport ActivityWed, 18 Feb 2009 05:55:23 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2009-02-18.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2009-02-17.htmlCleared Checks up to January 2009 On the banking sector front, Banque Du Liban “BDL” statistics revealed that the value of cleared checks expanded by an annual 12.53% to LBP 6,574 billion (1,020,000 checks) during the month of January 2009. Banque Du Liban's Reserves In The First Half Of February 2009 Banque Du Liban’s (BDL) bi-weekly balance sheet unveils a vivid 1.71% ($347.13 million) expansion in Lebanon’s gross foreign currency reserves during the first half of February 2009 to $20.65Tue, 17 Feb 2009 16:56:43 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2009-02-17.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2009-02-11.htmlLebanon Inks $70 Million Agreement with World Bank According to the Lebanese press, the Lebanese Ministry of Finance and the Council for Construction and Redevelopment (CDR) recently penned soft loan agreement for a total consideration of $70 million. Lebanese Government Lowers Mobile Rates According to the Lebanese press, the Lebanese government, and upon the proposal of the Minister of Telecommunications, reduced mobile charges in an endeavor to enhance the relatively low penetration rate.Wed, 11 Feb 2009 06:13:05 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2009-02-11.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2009-01-28.htmlConsumer Prices Down By 0.7% In December According to the Central Administration of Statistics (CAS), Lebanon’s consumer basket of prices registered a significant 5.5% growth on a year to date (YTD) basis through December 2008. Balance of Trade up to November 2008 On the current account side of the balance of payment, the Higher Customs Council conveyed a $3,597 million annual expansion in Lebanon’s balance of trade deficit to $11,773 million. Payment Cards In November 2008 Banque Du LibanWed, 28 Jan 2009 06:01:21 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2009-01-28.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2009-01-20.htmlInterest Rates Activity in the Lebanese Banking Sector Statistics released by Banque Du Liban (BDL) reveal a slight monthly contraction in the average interest rate on Lebanese-pound denominated deposits to 7.27% in November 2008. Lebanon’s Consumer Price Index Banque Du Liban’s consumer price index (CPI), which is an indicative measure of inflation, rose by 8.52% on a yearly basis to 122.15 in November 2008. Kafalat Loans In December 2008 Statistics released by the GovernmentsubsidizedTue, 20 Jan 2009 05:59:44 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2009-01-20.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2009-01-13.htmlActivity On The Beirut Stock Exchange In 2008 According to the Beirut Stock Exchange (BSE) monthly bulletin, traded value soared by 72.10% y-o-y to $1,710 million in 2008. Moody’s Outlook on Lebanon Moody’s Investors Service, the international rating agency, affirmed in its latest rating update dated December 29, 2008 its sovereign “government bond” rating of “B3” for the Republic of Lebanon, with “positive” outlook. Lebanon’s Public Debt To Attain $50 Billion In 2009 According to the LebaneseTue, 13 Jan 2009 10:29:00 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2009-01-13.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2009-01-05.htmlPayment Cards As At October 2008 Statistics released by Banque Du Liban (BDL) reveal a healthy 11.01% annual expansion in the number of payment cards in Lebanon (Debit and Credit cards) reaching 1,499,907 cards during the first ten months of 2008. Moody’s Outlook On Lebanon Moody’s Investors’ Service, the international rating agency, affirmed its sovereign “government bond” rating of “B3“for the Republic of Lebanon, while changing the outlook to “positive” from “stable” previously. Public DebtMon, 05 Jan 2009 13:19:46 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2009-01-05.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2008-12-29.htmlPayment Cards As At October 2008 Statistics released by Banque Du Liban (BDL) reveal a healthy 11.01% annual expansion in the number of payment cards in Lebanon (Debit and Credit cards) reaching 1,499,907 cards during the first ten months of 2008. Moody’s Outlook On Lebanon Moody’s Investors’ Service, the international rating agency, affirmed its sovereign “government bond” rating of “B3“for the Republic of Lebanon, while changing the outlook to “positive” from “stable” previously. Public DebtMon, 29 Dec 2008 07:34:14 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2008-12-29.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2008-12-03.htmlConsumer Prices Down By 0.6% In October According to the Central Administration of Statistics (CAS), Lebanon’s consumer basket of prices registered a significant 7.7% growth on a year to date (YTD) basis through October 2008. Hotel Occupancy Rate To Surpass 95% During Holidays According to Lebanon’s Travel Agencies’ Syndicate, hotel occupancy rates during the December holiday season (Christmas, Adha and New Year) is expected to surpass the 95% level. Industrial Exports and Imports of EquipmentWed, 03 Dec 2008 05:47:18 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2008-12-03.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2008-11-25.htmlBeirut Port Activity Up To October 2008 The Beirut port freight activity soared by 8.77% during the first ten months of 2008 reaching 4.835 million tons as at end of October. Number of Tourists Up To October 2008 On the tourism front, Ministry of Tourism statistics unveil an annual 28.9% rally in the number of tourists’ arrivals to Lebanon during the first ten months of 2008. IMF Extends $37.6 Million Soft Loan To Lebanon According to the Lebanese Press, the International Monetary Fund (IMF)Tue, 25 Nov 2008 11:26:40 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2008-11-25.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2008-11-19.htmlCleared Checks Up To October 2008 On the banking sector front, Banque Du Liban “BDL” statistics reported some 41.8% annual expansion in the value of cleared checks to LBP 66,631 billion (9,581,377 checks) as at end of October 2008. Bank Loans To The Private Sector According to the Lebanese Press and Association of Banks in Lebanon (ABL), bank loans to the private sector expanded by 26.83% year-on-year to LBP 37,376 billion ($24.79 billion) as at end of September 2008. Beirut Airport ActivityWed, 19 Nov 2008 06:03:50 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2008-11-19.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2008-11-11.htmlEconomic Developments In the Third Quarter of 2008 According to the seventh Paris III progress report released by the Lebanese Ministry of Finance ("MOF") last week portraying the performance of the Lebanese economy in the third quarter of 2008, total agreements signed with international donors until September 2008 have reached $4.729 billion out of a pledged amount of $7.532 billion secured in aftermath of the Paris III Summit. Activity On The Beirut Stock Exchange up to October 2008Tue, 11 Nov 2008 11:09:54 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2008-11-11.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2008-11-04.htmlKafalat Loans In September 2008 Statistics released by the governmentsubsidized program “KAFALAT” uncover a sizeable increase in the number of guarantees extended by Kafalat for the first nine months of 2008 to 704. Registered Construction Permits In September 2008 According to the Order of Engineers' statistics, Lebanon’s registered construction permits amounted to 1,274,751 sqm in September 2008. Balance Of Trade Up To August 2008 On the current account side of the balance of payment, theTue, 04 Nov 2008 17:03:22 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2008-11-04.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2008-10-14.htmlTax Free Shopping Up To September 2008 The Global Refund on Tax Free shopping report revealed a significant 53% year-on-year expansion in Lebanon’s Tax free spending in September 2008. Beirut Port Activity Up To September 2008 The Beirut port freight activity soared by 13.17% during the first three quarters of 2008 reaching 4.425 million tons as at end of September 2008 The Lebanese Banking Sector In the banking sector, the consolidated balance sheet of commercial banks in Lebanon conveyed aTue, 14 Oct 2008 10:54:41 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2008-10-14.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2008-10-08.htmlStatistics released by the governmentsubsidized program “KAFALAT” uncover a sizeable increase in the number of guarantees extended by Kafalat for the first eight months of 2008 to 606. Registered Construction Permits In August 2008 According to the Order of Engineers' statistics, Lebanon’s registered construction permits amounted to 750,675 sqm in August 2008. Balance Of Trade Up To July 2008 On the current account side of the balance of payment, the Higher Customs Council revealed thatWed, 08 Oct 2008 10:20:52 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2008-10-08.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2008-09-17.htmlBeirut Port Activity Up To August 2008 The Beirut port freight activity soared by 11.89% during the first eight months of 2008 relative to the same period in 2007, reaching a total of 3.868 million tons as at end of August 2008. Ministry of Finance Monthly Report On Donors According to the Lebanese Ministry of Finance monthly bulletin outlining the status of foreign aids secured in the aftermath of the Israeli aggression in summer 2006, Lebanon has signed agreements worth some $1.3 billion upWed, 17 Sep 2008 06:07:24 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2008-09-17.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2008-09-09.htmlActivity On The Beirut Stock Exchange up to August 2008 According to the Beirut Stock Exchange (BSE) monthly bulletin, traded value soared by 154.41% y-o-y to $861 million in the first eight months of 2008. The Lebanese Banking Sector In the banking sector, the consolidated balance sheet of commercial banks in Lebanon revealed a 1.91% expansion in total banking sector assets during the month of July 2008 to LBP 135,896 billion, up from LBP 133,340 billion in June 2008. Public Debt As far asTue, 09 Sep 2008 12:18:17 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2008-09-09.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2008-09-03.htmlThe Beirut port freight activity soared by 12.12% during the first seven months of 2008 relative to the same period in 2007, reaching a total of 3.377 million tons as at end of July 2008. Balance of Payment In The First Half of 2008 Statistics released by Banque Du Liban (BDL) reveal a balance of payment (BOP) surplus of $639.7 million during the month of June 2008, compared to a deficit of $541.9 million in June 2007. Industrial Exports and Imports of Equipment & Machinery In The FirstWed, 03 Sep 2008 05:49:09 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2008-09-03.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2008-08-26.htmlInterest Rate Activity in the Lebanese Banking Sector Statistics released by Banque Du Liban (BDL) reveal a slight monthly contraction in the average interest rate on Lebanese-pound denominated deposits to 7.25% in June 2008, down from 7.27% in May 2008 in comparison with 7.5% in June 2007. Economic Developments In the Second Quarter of 2008 According to the sixth Paris III progress report released by the Lebanese Ministry of Finance ("MOF") last week portraying the performance of the LebaneseTue, 26 Aug 2008 11:58:54 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2008-08-26.html