President of the Republic of Lebanon, General Michel Aoun, received the delegation of the Union of Arab Chambers, headed by Mohamed Abdo Saeed, President of the Union, in presence of Ghada Wali, Minister of Social Security in Egypt, and Adnan Kassar, Former Honorary President of the Union. During the meeting, President Aoun stated, "The Arab World is currently witnessing major problems, which are increasing the gap between Arab countries, and this phase is far from being over yet." He expressed his hope for the Arab private sector to maintain its awareness campaign and re-unite everyone. "Our Arab countries need such a unified collective presence, that joins us together and helps us overcome all difficulties."
Meanwhile, Mr. Abdo Saeed praised the invitation of the President of the Republic and presented the results of the “Arab Private Sector Forum” which was held in Beirut by the Union of Arab Chambers, and the message that was delivered at the 4th Arab Economic Development Summit held on Sunday in Beirut. He said, "We hope that the recommendations of the Forum will bear fruit, especially as they have been undertaken here in Lebanon, in this great land country, source of wisdom and light for the Arab Economy."
After that, Mr. Kassar opened up the floor and stated, "The Arab Forum was held in Beirut in the midst of difficult circumstances in the Arab World, along with Arab and Lebanese businessmen meeting as one hand. This is a great achievement for the policy of openness and cooperation that your Excellency has adopted, and today we are bearing fruit in an era of stability and security. We thank Your Excellency for His care and His trust placed in Lebanon in the midst of the difficult circumstances faced by the Arab world, and we hope for more peace under Your auspices. "
Then, Mrs. Wali thanked President Aoun for receiving the delegation and hosting the Arab Development and Economic Summit in Lebanon, "the land that is dear to all of us." She stated, "It is very important that the Private sector participates in making these recommendations that are to be submitted to the Arab Summit, at this historic time for the Arab World." She went on presenting the main recommendations, namely, the importance of Arab Women’s participation in various economic sectors, especially in commercial companies, and in the Labor Market as means to further contribute to the development process, and also the importance of joining the current 4th Industrial Revolution with the pioneering role of the private sector.
Moreover, Mrs. Wali praised the presentation made by Claudine Aoun Roquez, Minister of Lebanese Women's Affairs, at the Forum, qualifying it "very strong" with respect to presenting the various examples of Arab Women’s participation in the economic sectors. She pursued, "There was a consensus made with respect to involving more women in Arab countries in order to push their economies forward, as this has become a major and urgent need, and not a facet of luxury.”
Lastly, President Aoun welcomed the audience and expressed his enthusiasm in meeting with a delegation comprising representatives from the Arab Private Sector, highlighting the importance of their contribution in the Global economy. He addressed, "Things are growing at a fast pace in today's technological World, and far beyond any man’s conception, in all fields, and whenever we dream of something, we realize that it has already been achieved, therefore it is necessary that our Arab countries, through the support of the Private Sector, keep up with this tremendous development, in which competitiveness is a major contributor to growth.” He added in conclusion, “We count on you very much. In particular, we attach great importance to the role of Arab women, who make up to half of our societies, and we look forward to their greater participation in the private sector and at the level of our respective countries. We are facing great challenges and we hope that each and every one of us will endeavor to spread this awareness that is required from us all, and which brought to us your recommendations."
