Sub-Sectoral Study
Addressing Lebanon’s Economic Challenges
Lebanon is currently facing an unprecedented series of crises that have severely impacted various sectors of its economy. Amid these challenges, the Lebanese Center for Policy Studies (LCPS), in collaboration with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, has taken a proactive role in addressing the most pressing issues through a series of expert roundtables held on the 4th and 9th of July 2024. These discussions focused on two critical sectors: the pharmaceutical industry and the cultural and creative industries (CCIs). By bringing together industry experts, policymakers, and stakeholders, these roundtables aimed to develop actionable strategies for navigating the crises and fostering long-term recovery.
The Pharmaceutical Sector: Navigating a Crisis of Shortages and Rising Costs
Lebanon's pharmaceutical sector has been hit hard by the ongoing economic crisis, resulting in severe medicine shortages, skyrocketing costs, and a disrupted supply chain. In response to these challenges, LCPS and the Friedrich Naumann Foundation organized a dedicated roundtable to explore the sector’s current state and identify potential paths forward.
Experts at the roundtable discussed the urgent need for policy reforms to stabilize the sector. Key topics included the potential for boosting local production of pharmaceuticals, which could reduce dependency on imports and create a more self-sufficient healthcare system. Additionally, the discussion highlighted the importance of attracting foreign investments and maintaining international partnerships to support the sector's growth and resilience. The insights and recommendations generated from this roundtable will be documented in a forthcoming policy paper, providing a roadmap for revitalizing Lebanon’s pharmaceutical industry.
Cultural and Creative Industries: Safeguarding Lebanon's Cultural Heritage Amid Economic Turmoil
The cultural and creative industries (CCIs) in Lebanon, encompassing arts, music, literature, design, and more, are not only a vital part of the nation's economy but also of its cultural identity. However, these industries are currently under significant strain due to the ongoing financial crisis. Recognizing the need for targeted support, LCPS and the Friedrich Naumann Foundation convened an expert roundtable to discuss the unique challenges facing the CCIs and explore strategies for sustainable recovery.
During the roundtable, experts discussed the impact of the economic downturn on the CCIs, including funding shortages, lack of government support, and issues related to intellectual property rights. The speakers emphasized the importance of international collaborations, digital platforms, and cultural tourism as potential growth areas that could help revitalize the sector. The discussions also underscored the need for government intervention to create a supportive environment for the CCIs. The valuable insights from this roundtable will contribute to an upcoming policy paper, which will offer concrete recommendations for policymakers to ensure the sustainability and growth of Lebanon’s cultural and creative sectors.
Building on Sectoral Insights: The Concept for In-Depth Sub-Sector Exploration
These expert roundtables are part of a broader initiative to conduct an in-depth exploration of specific economic sub-sectors in Lebanon, namely the pharmaceutical industry, CCIs, and agro-food processing. Building on previous research conducted by LCPS and the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, this initiative seeks to provide a more detailed analysis of these sub-sectors, identifying their unique challenges, opportunities, and potential for growth.
The study will employ a rigorous methodology, including Key Informant Interviews with industry experts and stakeholders, to uncover the distinct features, market trends, and competitive landscapes of these sub-sectors. The goal is to provide actionable insights and recommendations that can help stakeholders and policymakers enhance the development and competitiveness of these critical areas of Lebanon’s economy.
Charting a Path Forward for Lebanon’s Economic Recovery
As Lebanon continues to grapple with its multifaceted crises, the need for targeted, sector-specific strategies becomes increasingly apparent. The expert roundtables organized by LCPS and the Friedrich Naumann Foundation represent a crucial step in addressing the challenges facing the pharmaceutical industry and cultural and creative industries. By fostering dialogue among experts and stakeholders, these roundtables have generated valuable insights that will inform policy recommendations aimed at revitalizing these sectors.
The forthcoming policy papers, drawing on the discussions and recommendations from these roundtables, will provide a comprehensive roadmap for Lebanon’s economic recovery. By focusing on specific sub-sectors, this initiative aims to contribute to the broader effort of securing a sustainable and prosperous future for Lebanon.