Business

Pacific capital markets a topic of discussion in Lebanon

February 28, 2019 5:12 am

The development of the South Pacific capital markets was a key topic of discussion at the 14th Annual World Exchange Congress in Lebanon.

This also included Fiji becoming the first ever developing country to issue a sovereign green bond.

Fiji’s Central Bank Governor, Ariff Ali spoke about the South Pacific capital markets landscape and Fiji Holdings Limited CEO, Nouzab Fareed spoke on new technologies and their potential for developing capital markets.

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Ali also held talks with Lebanon’s Central Bank Governor, Riad Salameh.

The two governors shared experiences and discussed various ways central banks can promote greater outreach to micro, small and medium sized enterprises.

Especially those in the tourism and agri sectors, as well as investments in sustainable energy and innovation across the economy.

Ali also held talks with Walid Raphael, Chairman and CEO of Banque Libano-Francaise S.A.L. – a leading universal bank in Lebanon.

The delegation was accompanied by IFC’s Pacific Manager, Thomas Jacobs.

Jacobs says the meetings gave Fiji a unique perspective to learn about Lebanon’s development of its markets and its support to business, particularly small businesses, as they are a lifeblood of economies and a key driver of jobs.

Fiji will also be officially be named as host of the 2020 World Exchange Congress.