The U.S. signed a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) with Lebanon in November 2006, taking the first steps on the path to a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).  The TIFA was singed in Beirut just three months after a cease-fire was struck between Israel and Hezbollah.

Previous fighting between the two had resulted in widespread infrastructural damage and drove tourists and investors away by the tens of thousands.  The war set Lebanon back 50 years, according to Prime Minister Fouad Siniora.  Lebanon's total public debt to GDP ratio increased to 18 percent according to the finance ministry figures reported in the Gulf Daily News, breaking a half-decade trend of improvement.  In September 2006, Lebanon's total imports fell to $732 million compared to $836 in September 2006.

Despite this challenging investment and trade climate, U.S. exports to Lebanon are expected to exceed $1 billion in 2007.  The U.S. Government has pledged more than $230 million toward Lebanon's reconstruction, and a business community initiative, the U.S.-Lebanon Partnership Fund, was launched in September 2006 to solicit individual and private sector contributions for humanitarian relief.

Links

Federation of Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture in Lebanon
Country Commercial Guide (pdf)
CIA Factbook
World Bank
Embassy in the U.S.
U.S. Embassy in Lebanon