Topics, statements, participants: Key details of the 'Lebanese-Syrian Investment Forum' in Beirut
"A stable Lebanese economy is in Syria's interest," said the Syrian minister of economy. Four debates on the economy and investment take place Wednesday.
by L'Orient Today staff · L'Orient TodayTurning the "geographical proximity" between Lebanon and Syria into "an opportunity": That is the goal, according to Lebanese Minister of Economy and Trade Amer Bisat, of the "Lebanese-Syrian Investment Forum 2026," a first-of-its-kind event that opened Wednesday in Beirut attended by several dozen Syrian representatives. The forum, which kicked off in the morning at the Phoenicia Hotel, is indeed the first of its kind to bring together Lebanese and Syrian political leaders and investors since the fall of Bashar Assad's regime in December 2024.
What can be expected from this event? What did the main speakers say? And who is participating? We explain.
What they said
At the opening ceremony, various speakers emphasized the need to establish new foundations for relations between Beirut and Damascus, after decades marked by tension and Syrian tutelage over Lebanon.
- "Relations between Lebanon and Syria have been marked by many ties and shared experiences," said Amer Bisat, stressing "the need to learn from those experiences." "Lebanon and Syria have the opportunity to establish new, clearer and more balanced relations," he added.
- Syrian Minister of Economy Mohammad Nidal al-Shaar, for his part, said that cooperation between the two countries "does not mean that one should give up its own characteristics," emphasizing that "a stable Lebanese economy is also in Syria's interest." "Syria and Lebanon do not need to rediscover one another, but to redefine their economic relations on clearer and more balanced foundations, in full respect of both countries' sovereignty, decision-making independence and national interests," he said.
Earlier in the day, President Joseph Aoun received a Syrian ministerial delegation. He emphasized the importance of "regional economic integration," saying that "capabilities" could be mobilized "through balanced relations and mutual respect." The "unique geographic position" of Lebanon and Syria, he said, allows both countries to "rely on each other in times of tension in the region."
Main issues
This forum is being held three months after the creation of a "joint Lebanese-Syrian Higher Commission" and as both Beirut and Damascus express their intent to open a "new chapter" in their relations after the Assad regime's fall.
- Facilitate trade and transportation: For Lebanon, Syria is an important corridor for exchanges with the Near East and Gulf countries. Trade between the two countries mainly involves agricultural products, which are transported by trucks across the land border, particularly at the Masnaa crossing in the Bekaa. This crossing has always posed difficulties for transporters. A project to expand and develop the facility is currently being studied to ease bilateral trade. Meanwhile, a plan to establish a railway connection between northern Lebanon and Syria’s railway network in neighboring Homs province is also under discussion.
- Cooperate in the energy sector: Opening a new cycle of cooperation with Damascus could also advance the project to supply the Electricité du Liban (EDL) with natural gas, currently being developed among Lebanon, Syria and Jordan. The plan envisions importing gas from Jordan, which would then be piped through Syria to Lebanon via the Arab Gas Pipeline. Other electrical interconnection or hydrocarbon projects may also be considered.
- Strengthen institutions to weaken Hezbollah: While U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly suggested that Damascus could help disarm Hezbollah, Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, speaking Tuesday from New York, stressed that Syria wants "to help strengthen Lebanese institutions" so they can achieve a monopoly on arms. Such strengthening could happen through further investment.
- Translate political rapprochement into action: Lebanon and Syria share a 375-kilometer border and a history marked by deep tensions. Syria in particular imposed political and military tutelage over Lebanon between 1976 and 2005. Since the change of regime in Damascus, relations have entered a new cycle. On several occasions, during official visits to Beirut and Damascus, leaders have stated their intention to open a "new page" and develop cooperation in areas such as energy, transport and trade, while stressing each state's sovereignty and independence. This determination comes amid a rapidly shifting regional landscape, marked notably by the war between Iran and the United States and by the conflict with Israel, which occupies territories in both Lebanon and Syria.
Four debates on the agenda
These various issues are reflected in the themes of the forum's four major debates, which will bring together Lebanese and Syrian officials as well as experts from both countries. The first session focused on "Lebanon and Syria in the new economic landscape of the Middle East," while the next meeting will deal with financing "the economy of tomorrow: investments, capital, and restoring confidence." The third session is titled "Reconstruction and sustainable development," while the fourth will address "Lebanon and Syria, gateway to regional markets: transportation, ports, investment, and challenges."
Who is participating in the forum?
Among the Lebanese participants, in addition to Amer Bisat, are Minister of Public Works and Transportation Fayez Rasamny, Minister of Tourism Laura al-Khazen Lahoud, Minister of Agriculture Nizar Hani, Minister of State for Technology Affairs Kamal Shehadeh, director of the Lebanese-Syrian committee for business Layla Samman, director general of the Port of Beirut Marwan al-Nafi, president of the Association of Lebanese Investors Jacques Sarraf, head of economic organizations Mohammad Choucair, president of the Investment Development Authority of Lebanon (IDAL) Majed Mneimneh, and Ahmad Hashimieh, who represents the Lebanese authorities.
The Syrian delegation includes, among others, Minister of Economy Mohammad Nidal Chaar, chargé d'affaires of the Syrian embassy in Beirut Iyad Hazah, Minister of Tourism Mazen Salhani, Minister of Health Mosaab al-Ali, Agriculture Minister Bassel Sweidan, Transportation Minister Yohrob Bader, and Deputy Minister of Planning and Institutional Excellence Ibrahim Adhan.
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