Rafik Hariri: The future depends on the private sector

During his Egypt visit, and speaking at a symposium in Cairo, Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri stated that the Arab states' future depends greatly on the private sector. He called on businessmen to take initiative and not to wait for governments to lead.

Hariri pledged to intervene personally in order to remove obstacles keeping investors from developing relations between the two countries.

Hariri said Lebanon signed an agreement with Syria to facilitate trade and remove barriers, expressing hope toward signing a similar agreement with Egypt, which has 85 million consumers represents an attractive market to investors.

Hariri stated that Egypt and Lebanon are close to reaching agreements to facilitate trade exchange and enhance joint investments between the two countries.