Through this new system, the Ministry plans to computerize the entire customs department, to eliminate use of paper in official procedures and proceed with formalities electronically, in a bid to alleviate transparency in public administrations, speeding up work. The system will also include completing payments to banks electronically.

El Hassan said that the new clearing system is part of the reform scheme planned by the government, “concentrating on improving the business and investment environments, and facilitating formalities.”

The President of the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture of Beirut and Mount Lebanon Mohamad Choucair welcomed the step of the Ministry of Finance to introduce this new clearing system, saying that this system “will help in setting the public-private relationship straight.”

Choucair said that the Chamber has several propositions to balance the official procedures to improve the investment environment. “CCIAB does not differentiate between public and private institutions, because both require attention so Lebanon can enter the circle of good quality-production and competition,” Choucair said.