PPIAF assistance in Lebanon (Anglais)

Lebanon’s lack of domestic energy sources and an increasing energy demand are major contributors to the country’s chronic trade and current account deficit. In 2002 Lebanon’s trade deficit accounted for more than US$5.3 billion, or about 30 percent of...  Voir la suite Lebanon’s lack of domestic energy sources and an increasing energy demand are major contributors to the country’s chronic trade and current account deficit. In 2002 Lebanon’s trade deficit accounted for more than US$5.3 billion, or about 30 percent of annual gross domestic product (GDP) and the country’s public debt stood at US$29.5 billion, equivalent to 170 percent of GDP. That same year, the oil import bill reached about US$720 million. The government of Lebanon recognized the significant impact energy imports had on its fiscal position. To improve its public finances, the government decided to introduce natural gas into the Lebanese energy market, initially targeting power generation. Thus in 2003 the government of Lebanon requested Public Private Infrastructure Advisory Facility (PPIAF) support as part of a broader World Bank hydrocarbon strategy study to assist the government with the formulation of an appropriate legal framework and draft model law for the natural gas sector, as part of a comprehensive long-term strategy for the future development of the hydrocarbon industry in general, and the introduction and utilization of natural gas in Lebanon, in particular.  Réduire