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LIMS Attends Liberty Forum & Freedom Dinner
November, 6-7, 2018- Crowne Plaza Times Square Hotel, New York City, USA
Leading activists from around the world gathered at the Atlas Network Liberty Forum to discuss challenges facing countries and how to advance free-market reforms most effectively. Dr. Mardini mentioned the challenges confronting Lebanon, in particular political decision making and the need for private companies, especially since Lebanon ranks 135 out of 138 countries in the quality of overall infrastructure and electricity. He explained that LIMS is a think tank that works on and promotes market-oriented policy reforms, without taking any political position.
Click here for photos
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Solution Exists for Lebanon’s Water Pollution
November 29, 2018- An-Nahar Newspaper, Beirut, Lebanon
One billion milliliters of microorganisms’ waste seeps into Lebanon’s ground water, forcing people to use polluted water for their daily consumption, causing many infections and diseases. Mr. Aref talked about the water problem, the absence of a sewage system due to the entire sector being mismanaged, and the deficit of Lebanon’s water establishment. He stated that the problem can be solved by allowing the private sector to take over.
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School Voucher Could Ease Financial Burden for Parents
November 30, 2018- Annahar Newspaper, Beirut, Lebanon
In public schools, student failure rates are two times higher than private schools and at the same time parents are unable to pay for their children’s’ private school tuition. According to LIMS’ Policy Analyst Ms. Claire Basbous, giving parents school vouchers will enable parents to put their children back in private schools and encourage new students to transfer from public schools. She believes that by using the voucher solution, around 200,000 Lebanese students will have a chance for a better education and future.
Click here for the article in arabic
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Implementing New Policies Could Help Businesses Thrive in Lebanon
November 5, 2018 – Al Modon Newspaper- Beirut Lebanon
For a business to open in Lebanon, it takes approximately 15 days compared to eight days in the United Arab Emirates. LIMS’ President Dr. Patrick Mardini, discussed the unfavorable environment for businesses in Lebanon. He believes that allowing free economic trade and not imposing taxes and tariffs on businesses will lead to favorable economic growth. Dr. Mardini then pointed out that these restricting policies will negatively impact the poor and entrepreneurs who want to open businesses.
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Experts Agree: Lebanon’s Power Crisis Due to Monopoly Structure of State-Run Electricity Company
November 23, 2018- Euronews, Inspire Middle East
In Lebanon, daily electricity power cuts last for up to three hours and can extend to 14 hours in some areas, which is leading to an electricity crisis. Some experts note that the problem is due to a government monopoly over production. According to Dr. Mardini, Lebanon only has the government company as private companies by law are not allowed to enter the market—unlike in London, where consumers can choose between multiple suppliers.
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Lebanon’s Regulations Hurting Tech Industry’s Potential
November 6-8, 2018 –University Campuses, Lebanon
Several universities in Lebanon hosted LIMS’ guest, Mr. Ross Marchand, the director of policy for the Taxpayers Protection Alliance, to discuss regulatory reforms in Lebanon. Mr. Marchand talked about the unintended consequences and the reach of regulation; he explained the importance of deregulating the internet sector, so the area can develop as the country has great potential. He also highlighted that the tech industry is highly dependent on reliable electricity, a resource Lebanon lacks.
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Essential Reforms Required before Release of CEDRE Loans
November 12, 2018 - Riviera Hotel, Beirut, Lebanon
The Democratic Renewal Party welcomed members of parliament, three ministers, and experts to project Lebanon’s future in light of CEDRE. LIMS’ Director Ms. Kristelle Mardini and Senior Policy Analyst Mr. Majdi Aref cautioned on the dangers of further increasing public debt to finance infrastructure, especially since the private sector can provide equity finance and ensure much better management of the projects. They also explained that countries who relied on increasing debt like Greece have failed, whereas others that liberated the economy such as the UK flourished. LIMS has suggested that these reforms mentioned above, be implemented before the CEDRE loans are released.
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Building an Islamic Case for Open Markets
November 14-15, 2018 –the 6th International Islam & Liberty Festival, Islamabad, Pakistan
Six hundred participants and international speakers from 12 different countries gathered in Islamabad to show how Islam is compatible with economic freedom. Mr. Aref showed that the economic freedom made Lebanon the Switzerland of the East. Three periods are noteworthy for the prosperity they brought: in 1800s when Lebanon increased trading with Europe, the post-independence period when Lebanon adopted a free-market economy, and the early 90s with tax cuts and liberalization.
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LIMS New Policy Analyst for Education Challenges in Lebanon
November 14, 2018- LIMS Headquarters, Tripoli, Lebanon
LIMS welcomed Mrs. Eliane Al Badawy recently and she will be working on challenges posed by the current education system in Lebanon. Mrs. Al Badawy holds a master’s degree in banking and finance from the Lebanese University and she has been engaged in the education field for the past two years. She believes that “Lebanon should move in the direction of education choice to help future generation acquire the needed competency and knowledge in a rapidly changing world.”
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December 3-9, 2018
Arab Liberty Festival
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