Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the leading international financial hub in the Middle East, Africa and South Asian region, today hosted select senior representatives from the Lebanese banking community at an industry-focused event in an effort to further build relationships amongst the well-established sector.

The audience was addressed by His Excellency Riad Salameh, Governor of the Banque Du Liban (Lebanese Central Bank) and His Excellency Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC. They highlighted how the banking sector is strategically important in both Lebanon and Dubai. It was emphasised that closer collaboration will help develop the industry further in the region and further afield. A number of Lebanese financial services institutions are already based in DIFC and it is a platform for them to grow beyond the region and to access international markets.

“The DIFC is pleased to be hosting Banque Du Liban for today’s event which brings together people who are committed to developing the Banking sectors in Lebanon, the region and South-South corridor. Lebanon’s banks and financial institutions have built a high level of credibility both in relation to levels of liquidity and industry standards they collectively uphold, at home and overseas,” said HE Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC.

“We look forward to welcoming new clients from across the Lebanese banking sector to DIFC, facilitating the development of their respective businesses and providing strategic access to key markets across the globe.”

Governor of Banque Du Liban said: “We are delighted to attend today’s event hosted by DIFC. We are very proud of the performance of our country’s banking sector in recent times, both at home and abroad, and it is encouraging that the DIFC is aligned with our growth objectives, supporting the banking sector’s development in the UAE and beyond from a robust and secure base.”

He continued: “The Banque du Liban shares DIFC’s core objectives and has a focus on safeguarding monetary and economic stability. As today’s event has highlighted, and we look forward to a continued close working relationship with its senior team.”

The ‘Lebanon Banks Day’ event hosted at DIFC is one of a number of events that support key industry sectors and add value to clients operating within the district.