Promising Future for Sino-Lebanese Relations

By staff reporters CHEN JING & DU CHAO

On the occasion of the 43rd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Lebanon, China Today interviewed Lebanon’s ambassador to China Fared Abboud about the history of Sino-Lebanese relations and the prospects for its future development.

Lebanese Ambassador to China Fared Abboud.

China Today: What have been the most significant developments in the history of Sino-Lebanese relations?

Ambassador Abboud: Our relationship goes back a long way and has been smooth. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries, Lebanon has been committed to its basic, principled position on one China. The two nations enjoy close cooperation on international affairs, at the United Nations, especially in the nomination of new members of UN agencies, and on the settlement of international disputes.

Lebanon and China share many views. Recently, Lebanese Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil visited Beijing as part of the Arab-China States Cooperation Forum and met with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi and a number of other senior officials. The visit was an opportunity for both sides to express their determination to improve relations on all levels, particularly in politics, and of course, trade, because the trend now is to further expand economic ties.

China Today: In what specific areas of the economic sphere does China cooperate with Lebanon?

Ambassador Abboud: China is Lebanon’s largest trade partner. The annual trade volume between the two countries is about US $2 billion. This is a significant figure for a small country like Lebanon. The reason for the rapid growth in bilateral trade lies in our common interests. There are more Lebanese living in Chinese cities today. Most of them are in Guangzhou, Yiwu and Hong Kong, working hard to advance trade relations between the two countries. In addition, major Chinese companies, among them Huawei Telecom, now operate in Lebanon, which appeals to Chinese companies as an important base in the Middle East. For this reason, I believe the rapid growth in trade between our two countries will continue along its upward trajectory.

China Today: How are other Chinese companies, besides Huawei, making their presence felt in Lebanon?

Ambassador Abboud: One Chinese company contributes to the management of facilities in Beirut and there is another one that collaborates in public projects. Our coastal areas are rich in gas, so it is expected that when work on gas exploitation is put to tender, Chinese companies will participate in the bidding. Chinese companies are also active in electricity generation in Lebanon, filling the deficit we have in power supply. Some foreign investors hesitate to enter Lebanon because of the tough domestic situation there, and some are wary of the challenges of surfing a very competitive and open market. But I think Chinese companies have the ability to compete in the Lebanese market and operate in our country successfully.

China Today: We have noticed what a beautiful country Lebanon is as a tourist destination, something that should contribute to the country’s economy. But at the moment, few Chinese tourists visit Lebanon. Why is that?

Ambassador Abboud: The main reason is not to do with Lebanon itself but with the region. Lebanon is a small country, so if Chinese tourists make the long journey to the Middle East, they will no doubt want to visit other countries in the region too, such as Syria and Jordan. But, given the current regional instability, the Chinese government is advising its citizens not to travel to danger zones in the Middle East. I hope that when the situation in the region stabilizes, Lebanon will be able to welcome Chinese tourists in droves.