Banking Association Lowers Beirut Reference Rate

Photo: Reuters
Photo: Reuters
TT

Banking Association Lowers Beirut Reference Rate

Photo: Reuters
Photo: Reuters

Lebanon's banking association said on Wednesday that the Beirut Reference Rate (BRR) was reduced to 5.75% for US dollars and to 7.75% for Lebanese pounds.

The statement said this was down from 9.35% for US dollars and 12.45% for Lebanese pounds at the start of the year.

It said the reduction in the reference rate for lending which came after central bank circulars sought "to alleviate the burdens of borrowing...and stimulate economic activity in the current tough circumstances."



Saudi-Portuguese Business Council Strengthens Economic Ties with Portugal

A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
TT

Saudi-Portuguese Business Council Strengthens Economic Ties with Portugal

A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)

The Saudi-Portuguese Business Council, led by Chairman Alwaleed bin Khaled Al-Baltan, concluded a successful visit to Portugal, marking significant progress in boosting economic cooperation between the two nations, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Sunday.

The delegation engaged with key Portuguese officials, including the Ministers of Economy, Agriculture, Parliamentary Affairs and Sports, Infrastructure and Housing, as well as the Mayors of Porto and Leiria.

The delegation also held meetings with officials from the sports and aviation sectors, underscoring the wide-ranging potential for collaboration. Additionally, the delegation met with Saudi Arabia's Ambassador to Portugal Prince Saud bin Abdul Mohsen bin Abdulaziz to discuss the outcomes of the visit.

In Lisbon, workshops introduced Portuguese companies to investment opportunities in Saudi Arabia. With participation from Al-Hawaishel Law Firm and Bank AlJazira, these sessions detailed the Kingdom's investment systems, incentives and financing solutions.

The delegation visited several prominent Portuguese firms specializing in ports, marine warehouses, real estate, technology, media, tourism, transportation and infrastructure.

Microsaur, a technology solutions and protection systems company, and Etermar, a specialist in port operations, announced plans to establish regional headquarters in Saudi Arabia. Moreover, over 260 Portuguese companies expressed readiness to enter the Saudi market.

The visit was capped with the signing of a tripartite framework agreement between the Saudi-Portuguese Business Council, the Arab-Portuguese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Portuguese Business Council. The agreement aims to strengthen economic relations and explore collaborations in aviation, tourism, sports investment, media, education, healthcare, agriculture, and fish farming.