November 23, 2008
Thursday, 20th November, 2008- Dr. Kamal Shehadi, Chairman and CEO of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority participated in the launching of the Franco-Lebanese Forum at the " Ecole Superieure des Affaires", in Beirut on the occasion of H.E the Prime Minister of France, Mr. Francois Fillion’s official visit to Lebanon.
This event aimed at presenting to the accompanying delegation of 50 businesses investment opportunities in Lebanon.
The workshop tackled many important issues such as Electricity and Water, Infrastructure, and Telecommunications, and was held in the presence of key stakeholders such as His Excellency the Minister of Telecommunications, Mr. Gebran Bassil; His Excellency the Minister of Electricity and Water Mr. Alain Tabourian; Mr. Kamal Hayek Director General of Electricite Du Liban ; Mr.Ibrahim Menassa Chief of Cabinet of Electricite Du Liban; Mr. Nabil Jisr, President of the Council of Reconstruction and Development; Mr. Mounir Douaydi, General Director of Solidere; and Dr. Kamal Shehadi, Chairman of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority.
Dr. Shehadi presented TRA's Liberalization roadmap and emphasized on the urgent need for reform of the telecommunications sector. He stated that pent-up demand and hitherto limited service offering engulf the mobile, internet and ADSL markets , all of which offer great promises for development based on their low penetration rate (currently at 30%, 4%, 32.5% respectively- figures well behind countries such as Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain).
Dr. Shehadi also emphasized on the investment opportunities in Lebanon following liberalization- a factor which will attract investments to Lebanon, lead to the development of state-of-the-art networks and services, and create high value-added jobs in the process. He stated that "on the consumer level, liberalization will drive improved choice, quality and pricing of services. Ultimately, it is hoped that liberalization will reclaim a leading role for Lebanon in ICT by bringing the country back to the international telecommunications scene and re-establishing international standards."
Dr. Shehadi finally concluded by presenting the regulatory framework that is being put in place by the Authority, which is in line with EU’s best regulatory practices and the TRA’s values of independence, transparency, and non-discrimination.
Dr. Shehadi has also met with H.E Mr. Fillon and H.E Prime Minister of Lebanon, Mr. Fouad Seniora along with the 50 members of the French Delegation on the 21st of November at Grand Serail.
For more information, kindly visit Dr. Shehadi's full presentation:
English version
French version