Before the long years of civil war, Lebanon, because of its strategic location in the Middle East, and a fairly stable and pro-west government, had become a major trade and banking centre. Beirut was the banking capital of the Middle East and it held half the wealth of the Arab world in secret bank accounts. Many western multinational companies also operated from their Middle Eastern Head Quarters in Beirut.

Lebanon’s economy has been badly ravaged by 17 years of civil war. However, it is on the recovery now with aid from many organisations. The government is trying to rebuild the country’s infrastructure, ranging from telephone system, electricity, health and education, to the reconstruction of the airport and ports. The authorities are aiming at making Lebanon a free trade and banking centre. It is also trying to revive its tourist and service industries, which had earlier earned much foreign exchange for the country.

Agriculture accounts for 10% of GDP and employs about 19% of the workforce. Lebanon’s major exports are fruits, cereals, olives and vegetables, though Lebanon is not self sufficient in food.

Industry accounts for 17% of GDP, and includes food processing, textiles, cement, glass, oil refining, chemicals, tobacco and publishing.