A s long at there is peace in the Middle East, Lebanon is one of the best investment choices. This is not only because Lebanon has been growing in every sector, but because there is still time to get in on the ground floor of future growth; because Lebanon has a host of unmet needs. These include basic infrastructure requirements.

The banking sector in Lebanon is one of the strongest in the region, based on solid fundamentals namely high liquidity, strict and stringent regulation by the central bank and strong policies that have been evolving in line with market needs and trends. The sector represents the backbone of the Lebanese economy Mohammed Hariri , president and CEO of BankMed

Most industrial production is for local consumption; however, it a significant portion is exported. Major merchandise exports are jewelry (27%); electrical equip,equipment and products (16%); base metals (13%); food products (8%), and chemical products (7%).

The group employs 7500 people in Cyprus, Egypt, England, France, Greece, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, Sudan, Ukraine, and the United States. “Our human capital is the most important capital of INDEVCO group… this is why our people are very much empowered”, says Neemat G. Frem, President  & CEO.

The figures bear this out. In 2009, Lebanon posted the highest rate of growth in tourist arrivals in the world—a stunning 39%. Of course, this was off of a low year, but the growth continues; for the first quarter of 2010, growth over 2009 is at 32%.

The mobile penetration rate in Lebanon is generally reported to be at 28 percent, which is far behind other countries in the region. Although Marwan Hayek, Chairman and CEO of Alfa, one of the two government-owned telecom operators, believes that it is actually 55%. But still, this is significantly lower than that of neighboring countries such as Jordan (74%), or Saudi Arabia (78%).

Real estate prices have been rising quickly since the end of the Israeli-Lebanon war in 2006.  But the real estate market in Lebanon is unique. Although prices are skyrocketing as they are in many other countries, the real estate market has little speculation.

“Lebanon has been committed to quality education for a very long time and the education system goes back to 1866, when AUB was established and other institutions have flowed since. The commitment to education is old and time-tested…producing several generations of leaders,” says George K. Najjar, Dean of the Olayan School of Business at the American University of Beirut.