The Lebanese Credit Insurer (LCI) and its 50% owned subsidiary, Levant Factors, sponsored the first Levant Region Trade & Investment Conference organized by Exporta which took place at the Intercontinental Phoenicia hotel in Beirut on June 1st, 2011.

This inaugural gathering of leading regional figures brought together various actors to discuss how best to maximize the business opportunities provided by the Levant area, whose long standing adherence to core banking principles has insulated against the harsher effects of global recession, with special emphasis on trade finance and the need to mitigate  against risk.

Being the first event to focus on the importance of trade and trade finance within the region, the conference covered a range of issues, from market performance to overseas expansion, corporate financing priorities, risk assessment, investment climate and alternative financing methods.

Expert opinion and insight was provided by both local and international banks, the corporate market, insurers, multilaterals, lawyers, consultants and other leading players.

Mr. Karim Nasrallah, General Manager at LCI and Levant Factors conducted the discussion panel regarding corporate priorities within the Levant marketplace. Dr Fady Gemayel, Chairman and General Manager at Gemayel Frères sal & Société Libanaise de Carton Solicar, Me Roger Tanios, Legal Department Manager at INDEVCO, Mrs. Hadia Minkara, General Manager at Allchem and Mr. Vicken Sarkissian, Finance Director at Obegi Chemicals Group shared their experience regarding SME financing methods and pointed out the importance of the presence of new approaches for obtaining SME financing.