Barcelona, 13 November 2015 – The Association of the Mediterranean Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ASCAME) strongly condemns the terrorist attack in the Beirut suburb of Burj al-Barajneh on Thursday, and we offer our deepest condolences to the families of victims and to the people of Lebanon, wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.

The act demonstrates how the Syrian civil war violence is spreading towards Lebanon, given the close relations between both countries. The country hosts almost 2 million refugees from Syria, representing a quarter of its population. It is increasingly difficult for the country to cover basic household living costs of these refugees.

We are convinced that Lebanon will not allow this horrible act to destroy its sociopolitical and economic potential. Lebanon’s strategic geographical location has been recognized for centuries as a contact point between the east and west and as the gateway to the Middle Eastern market. Home to 1,2 million high-skilled labour force, Lebanon offers many advantages for potential investors planning to set up and to develop new business in the region.

Lebanon is living a crucial moment. However, the recovery and reconstruction of the country have been remarkable in its recent history. The support of the international community and the EU is extremely important now, as well as the joint action of the public sector, private sector and civil society for the prevention of its economic collapse and preserving Lebanon’s stability and security.