POLICY PRIORITY 18.1 CAPITALIZE ON DIASPORA RESOURCES

Proposed Measures

Measure 18.1.1

Clearly define “resident” and “expatriate” to create a census of expatriates.

Measure 18.1.2

Mandate the tourism and economy ministries to develop and implement a strategy to attract diaspora tourism and investment in Lebanon.

Measure 18.1.3

Involve Lebanese embassies, and especially the economic attaches appointed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants at 20 major embassies, to more actively disperse information on investment opportunities in Lebanon for diaspora members.

Measure 18.1.4

Provide fiscal incentives to universities and centers that link expatriates with Lebanon (e.g., that hire Lebanese expatriates living abroad for short- or long-term contracts and/or offer courses specifically for members of the diaspora).

Measure 18.1.5

Incentivize the channeling of remittances to investment projects in Lebanon by providing tax incentives and exemptions for new and sustainable ventures, such as eco-resorts, and heritage and rural tourism projects, as well as all commercial establishments with high invested remittance amounts that are compliant with national needs.

Measure 18.1.6

Encourage diaspora investments into Lebanese startups.

Measure 18.1.7

Create a database—including a list of supported target markets and a list of legal requirements, such as fees and certifications—for all tradable services and goods that can be exported from Lebanon to regional and international markets.

Measure 18.1.8

Standardize Lebanese products and certification norms in order to improve export prospects for goods.