Changing perceptions: Lebanon as an outsourcing hub
BEIRUT: It is about time the government moves beyond branding Lebanon as just a tourism destination to promoting the country as a business hub for high value-added services, both established and startup entrepreneurs have long complained. A few weeks ago, the Investment Development Authority of Lebanon did just that, bucking the trend of near-paralysis in almost every state institution since the resignation of the government in March. IDAL, a state-affiliated organization, .....

US-guaranteed eurobonds issued by Jordan oversubscribed by 180%
Major US investors bought all the $1.25 billion US-guaranteed eurobonds issued by the Jordanian government on Tuesday. The bonds, carrying an interest rate of 2.503 per cent and set to mature in 2020, were oversubscribed by 180 per cent as demand exceeded $2.20 billion. Finance Minister Umayya Toukan expressed appreciation of the US support for the issuance. The loan guarantees were announced during US President Barack Obama’s visit to Jordan in March, when he also announced a $200 mi.....

Regulatory framework vital for private sector - Bahrain
Bahrain's perspective on how policymakers can create a framework for global growth, and how businesses can tackle the challenges inherent to a changing world was offered to a top Islamic forum. This was presented by Transportation Minister and Economic Development Board (EDB) acting chief executive Kamal Ahmed during a panel discussion at the ninth edition of the World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF) held in London. The three-day forum concluded yesterday. His Royal Highness Prin.....

Bahrain-Qatar causeway to be redesigned
A consultancy firm has been commissioned to review the basic engineering designs of the planned Bahrain-Qatar causeway, also referred to as Bahrain-Qatar Friendship Bridge. The Bahrain-Qatar Causeway Authority board held a meeting on Wednesday and decided to redesign the 40km strategic artery, thought to be the world's longest man-made bridge, reported the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication. In a statement to Bahrain News Agency, the authority's vice-chairman and Financ.....

SAUDI ARABIA - Saudi banks have potential to be global trade finance hub
A two-day summit focusing on trade finance will be held in Riyadh on December 10  and 11.The demand for trade finance is rising in Saudi Arabia as the Kingdom’s nonoil exports hit SR51,536 million for the second quarter in 2013, an increase of 6.3 percent in comparison to the same period last year, said a press release from the organizers. The Kingdom’s imports for the second quarter of 2013 also saw an increase by 11.2 percent and amounted to SR167,258 million, in comparison to the s.....