Choucair for declaring economic emergency

Calls politicians, civil society to hold dialogue

The government should declare a state of economic emergency, said Mohamad Choucair, Chairman of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture. “Considering the steep drop in growth, which reached 1.5 percent in 2012 and could go lower, and the slowdowns reported in all sectors, mainly tourism, trade, and services, we find ourselves obliged to call on all leaders to react responsibly to rescue the country.”

Choucair said the government had finally acknowledged the adversities that surround the local economy. He called on all stakeholders to engage in serious economic dialogue: “The government, all political counterparts, and civil society associations should meet to draw a road map to save the country from imminent peril.”