On March 31st, 2022, about 70 USJ faculty members and students gathered around Mr. Musa Freiji at USJ-Zahleh campus (CZB) and on TEAMS to discuss his economic plan, which aims at boosting the industrial sector in Lebanon, in the purpose of increasing employment. The plan consists of a set of legal actions, including to freeze temporarily and wisely the trade agreements with other countries, an action that will not jeopardize Lebanon’s relationship with them. Dr. Nisrine Hamdan Saade from the Faculty of Economics at USJ enriched the conversation by presenting the economics theories and experiences of countries that align with Mr. Freiji’s protectionist plan.

Participants eagerly engaged with panelists. Discussions addressed the government’s ill-will in supporting Lebanese industry, the need of pragmatic collaborations between industries and universities, and the necessity of lobbying. The plan is worth considering indeed. Further economic studies are called forth to determine the optimal protectionist plan. Rev. Father Dr. Fady El Chidiac facilitated the roundtable.

At the end of the roundtable, Dr. Chantal Saad Hajjar offered on behalf of USJ an award to Mr. Freiji in recognition to his distinguished social entrepreneurship.

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