Lebanese–Russian Economic Investment Forum “Beirut 2” Opens Under the Patronage of the Minister of Economy and Trade

Beirut – Lebanon

Under the patronage and in the presence of Lebanon’s Minister of Economy and Trade, Dr. Amer Al-Bassat, the Lebanese–Russian Economic Investment Forum “Beirut 2” opened at Voco Beirut, marking a new step toward strengthening economic, commercial and investment relations between Lebanon and Russia.

The forum brought together Russian Ambassador to Lebanon Alexander Rudakov, Lebanese officials and representatives of public institutions, professional bodies, business leaders, investors and representatives of Lebanese and Russian companies.

The opening ceremony began with the Lebanese and Russian national anthems, followed by welcoming remarks from Miray Malaki, Director of Public Relations at the Russian–Lebanese Cooperation Office “Roslivan.”

Mohamed Nassereldine, President of the Russian–Lebanese Cooperation Office “Roslivan,” welcomed the participants and stressed that “Beirut 2” represents a new stage in a process that began with the first “Beirut 1” forum.

Nassereldine said the objective is to move beyond introductions and the exploration of opportunities toward establishing genuine partnerships and projects that can be implemented in practice.

He emphasized that Lebanese–Russian relations possess significant economic, commercial and investment potential that still needs to be translated into figures, agreements and concrete projects.

According to Nassereldine, promising areas for cooperation include trade, industry, agriculture, energy, technology, services, tourism, transportation and logistics.

He highlighted the importance of bringing companies, investors, entrepreneurs and project owners from both countries together in one place, making economic dialogue more direct, realistic and productive.

The forum’s program includes presentations by Lebanese and Russian companies, discussions on tradable products, market access, representation and distribution opportunities, in addition to bilateral business meetings expected to lead to understandings, agreements and memoranda of cooperation.

Nassereldine stressed that Roslivan’s role would not end with the conclusion of the forum, noting that the real value of an economic conference begins after it ends, when ideas are transformed into contacts, negotiations, contracts and projects.

He said Roslivan considers itself a partner in following up on the outcomes of “Beirut 2,” facilitating communication between institutions and companies from both countries and supporting opportunities generated during the event.

Russian Ambassador Alexander Rudakov praised Roslivan’s role in developing commercial relations between Russia and Lebanon and supporting companies from both countries seeking mutually beneficial business partnerships.

Rudakov said that the current level of trade and economic relations does not yet reflect the true potential and interests of the two countries and stressed the importance of turning longstanding friendship between Lebanon and Russia into practical economic and investment cooperation.

He pointed to potential areas of cooperation including agriculture, energy, mechanical engineering, medicine, pharmaceuticals, advanced technologies, food products and fertilizers.

A representative of the Moscow Government also highlighted the importance Moscow attaches to developing business cooperation with Lebanon and expressed confidence that joint efforts by the business communities of both countries can raise bilateral economic relations to a new level.

Beirut Bar Association President Imad Martinos emphasized the importance of a stable legal environment, an independent judiciary, transparent dispute-resolution mechanisms and clear protections for contracts, property and investments in building investor confidence.

The keynote address was delivered by Economy and Trade Minister Dr. Amer Al-Bassat, who stressed that Lebanon needs to produce more, export more and attract investment capable of building a growing and productive economy.

Al-Bassat identified three key priorities: expanding the presence of Lebanese products in the Russian market, building long-term investment partnerships that increase production in Lebanon, and ensuring continuous follow-up so that opportunities discussed at the forum develop into concrete projects and agreements.

He emphasized that the private sector will play a leading role in this process, while the state must work to restore investor confidence through reform, effective institutions, fair competition, clear regulations and a financial sector capable of supporting economic activity.

The minister called on participating businesspeople to identify specific projects, examine their feasibility and determine what each side can contribute in terms of capital, technology, expertise and access to new markets.

The forum reflects a broader effort to transform Lebanese–Russian economic relations from potential into practical cooperation, with a focus on trade, investment, agriculture, industry, energy, technology, health, transportation and logistics.

Following the opening session, the forum moved into business meetings and economic discussions, with the objective of transforming opportunities into partnerships and partnerships into projects that benefit both the Lebanese and Russian economies.