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FOREIGN INVESTMENT

Lebanon offers one of the most liberal investment climates in the Middle East. It has traditionally enjoyed a free-market economy and a laissez-faire commercial tradition. In order to fund the reconstruction programs, the Lebanese government offers incentives to attract foreign and domestic investment, including low income tax rates for individuals and corporations. The distribution of dividends has a maximum of ten percent for corporations and five percent for individuals. In addition, some contracts, such as the toll road and the liquefied natural gas (LNG) re-gasification plant, are to be carried out on a build-operate-transfer (BOT) basis. The government is seriously considering privatization of some public entities in order to attract private sector investment. To date, the government has also issued $950 million of eurobond subscriptions in local and international markets.

Lebanon does not discriminate between Lebanese nationals and foreign investors, except in the case of real estate investment. There are no restrictions on the movement of capital gains, remittances, or dividends. Likewise, there are no restrictions on the conversion of foreign currency or precious metals, foreign exchange, or capital movements.