During his three-day visit to Japan this week, Prime Minister Rafik Hariri and the accompanying Lebanese delegation were met with growing Japanese interest for investing in Lebanon, quite apart from construction of an Opera House and executing a Japanese public garden.
Finance Minister Fouad Siniora confirmed that Japan is willing to issue “Samurai” bonds, Treasury bonds denominated in Japanese yen. These bonds are guaranteed by the Japanese government, and carry lower interest rates than dollar denominated bonds.
Siniora also added that Tokyo is ready to provide additional loans for the rehabilitation of major sewage, environmental, and solid waste treatment projects. Moreover, Hariri discussed with Japan’s Central Bank Governor a previously approved $120 million loan for Lebanon. The governor expressed his intentions to send a specialized team to Beirut, in order to study opportunities for offering additional loans. — ( Banque du Liban et d'Outre-Mer Sal )
© 2001 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
