The Chairman of the Association of Banks, Joseph Torbey, described the investment atmosphere in the country as “positive.” He said that such environment is reinforced by the economic, legal and financial peculiarities of the country, “which have for a long time been strengthened by the Banking Secrecy Law.” Torbey was speaking today at the opening of a conference on financial partnership between Lebanon and Luxemburg. He said that, despite the political difficulties, the financial and economic regime remains viable and respected, and the economic performance of the country is marked by considerable optimism. “The economic freedom that prevails is backed by a class of businessmen who are ambitious and motivated; also by an expanding banking industry that is contributing to the growth of the local economy without tapping the basic natural resources of the country.”