Silicon Valley business leaders continue efforts to spur economic growth in Lebanon

The quarterly meeting of LebNet, a network of Lebanese America professionals primarily from Silicon Valley, was hosted by Cisco CEO John Chambers, a founding member of the Partnership for Lebanon. During the event, the leaders pledged to work with Lebanese businesses to help create jobs in key industries, and provide internships to promising Lebanese students at top American companies. Also at the meeting were Lebanese students from the University of California at Berkeley and Stanford University, and the members of Tech Wadi, an Arab Professional high tech organization.

"The Partnership for Lebanon is committed to helping the people of Lebanon find the path to long term stability and economic growth," Chambers said. "This goal is shared by Cisco and by many Lebanese-American businesses across Silicon Valley. Together, we can do what is needed to help Lebanon rebuild a safe, stable and prosperous nation in a crucial region of the world."

"As proud Americans with roots in Lebanon we know what Lebanon was, is and most importantly, what Lebanon can be," said Elie Habab, co-founder of LebNet and local community leader. "And we know just how much American business has to offer to the people of Lebanon at this challenging time. The Partnership for Lebanon is doing important work at a crucial moment for the Lebanese people, and we are delighted to be a part of it."

The Partnership is working to expand the reach of education and work force training, create jobs, and build technology infrastructure in Lebanon through a variety of initiatives, including: internships, job creation/private sector revival, ICT infrastructure, connected communities, and ongoing relief and response.

The Partnership for Lebanon is made up of five U.S. business leaders: Steve Ballmer, CEO, Microsoft; Craig Barrett, Chairman, Intel Corporation; John Chambers, Chairman and CEO, Cisco; Yousif Ghafari, Chairman, GHAFARI, Inc.; and Dr. Ray Irani, Chairman, President and CEO, Occidental Petroleum Corporation.