Q Can you discuss the background of the business climate and trade figures between Lebanon and the Netherlands?

A Trade between our two countries has been increasing annually, with Dutch exports to Lebanon currently in the region of $130 million, compared to $129 million last year and $124 million in 2001.

In turn, Lebanese exports to the Netherlands reached $14.1 million in the year 2000 and $15.7 million in 2001.

Lebanon imports products such as plastics, dairy, and pharmaceuticals from the Netherlands, while we import aluminum, electrical and chemical products, among others.

In the service and investment sectors, we have done work such as dredging in the Tripoli harbor and have also collaborated to conclude an Investment Protection Agreement.

Some of the well-known Dutch companies operating in Lebanon include ABN Amro Bank, KLM and Unilever. At the Horeca 2002 Fair, over ten Dutch companies, or Lebanese companies who do business with the Netherlands, participated.

Most recently, our two countries have collaborated to create the Lebanese-Dutch Business Association, which will help strengthen ties in commerce and trade. The association was launched in Beirut in February of this year, with over 200 Lebanese and Dutch business people attending.

Q In your view, what are the untapped means or resources that Lebanon can harness to promote its trade relations with the Netherlands?

A Agreements such as the one we have concluded - the Investment Protection Agreement - are a good way to stimulate investments in the country.

The Euro-Med Agreement is also a positive and important step that could further tie Lebanon to the European market. In this way, the country can maintain one face toward the Middle East and another face toward Europe.

I believe that the tourism sector in Lebanon is still largely untapped in terms of the European market. Although the country is expensive and faces the problem of regional instability, I believe Lebanon can publicize itself better in order to attract Europeans.

In terms of the banking sector, Lebanon could again be a regional hub. For example, ABN Amro Bank has maintained its presence in Lebanon, never having closed its doors here.

Q As you know, Prime Minister Rafik Hariri is working to organize a Paris II donor conference to request aid for Lebanon. Are there any aid programs that the Netherlands participates in to encourage and stimulate Lebanon’s economy?

A The Netherlands donates $3 billion in development aid annually, but in order to qualify for aid, a nation’s per capita income should not exceed $2000. In Lebanon’s case, the per capita income is over $4000, and therefore, does not qualify.

Still, we have financed a number of activities, such as the following three projects:

• Support for reconciliation in the South, in which $300,000 was given to the United Nations Development Fund for the cause.

• The Bar Association, in which financing was provided for lawyers to go through dossiers of individuals who should not be serving prison sentences and present them to the judges. This was done in partnership with the Ministry of Justice, and to aid in the overcrowding of prisons.

• The Institute for Human Rights, which was granted $50,000 to help combat violence against women.

Q Are there any contributions or activities to note in other areas, in terms of the environment or social and cultural activities?

A We regularly organize seminars by Dutch experts who have vast experience in specific areas, such as the environment. Last year, we invited six experts on short missions to Lebanon to share their knowledge.

One advisor to the Dutch government attended a seminar in Beirut some months ago, which addressed Lebanon’s environmental problems and what needs to be done to remedy the country’s situation.

In terms of cultural events, the embassy organized a trio who played with the National Symphony Orchestra, as well as an event organized with the Munich Theatre, among others.