Lebanese issuers celebrate "Lebanon Capital Market Day" in New York

Officials representing Lebanese financial institutions and governmental agencies will address various economic issues impacting Lebanon and the Middle East. Representatives of Lebanese public companies will be meeting with investors and other market participants.

The day will begin with Riad Salame, Governor of Banque du Liban ringing The NYSE Opening BellSM, along with Mr. Salim Zeenni, President of the American Lebanese Chamber of Commerce, and Mr. Roger Nasnas, President of the Economic and Social Council. Governor Salame was voted Central Banker of the Year for 2009 by The Banker Magazine. He will discuss:

- The development of the monetary system of Lebanon
- The prudent central banking which led to the ability of Lebanon to weather the financial storm
- Specific steps that are being taken to control monetary policy

Distinguished guests attending the Lebanon Capital Market Day include Antoine Chedid, Lebanese Ambassador to the U.S., Michele J. Sison, U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon, Mr. Walid Alameddine, Chairman of Banking Control Commission, and Dr. Fadi Khalaf, Secretary General of the Union of Arab Stock Exchanges and Chairman of the Beirut Stock Exchange. Presenting at the conference will be Bank Audi, BLOM Bank, Byblos Bank, Middle East Airlines and Solidere.

"NYSE Euronext is pleased to partner with the organizers of Lebanon Capital Market Day in New York to showcase investment opportunities in Lebanon. This event highlights our relationship with Lebanon and we look forward to assisting Lebanese companies seeking to access global capital markets."

said Duncan Niederauer, NYSE Euronext Chief Executive Officer.

David Grayson, Managing Director of Auerbach Grayson said they have been active in the Lebanese market for many years. "Despite the political problems, we have introduced many institutional investors to Lebanon. This is the first time there has ever been an effort put forth to introduce Lebanese companies in the Unites States. In fact, this may be the first time that Lebanon has promoted itself in the U.S. We are honored to be part of a very historic occasion."

Salim Zeenni, president of the American Lebanese Chamber of Commerce said "This appearance at the Stock Exchange, in what can only be described as troubled times, reflects our belief in the resiliency and dynamism of capitalism even when confronted with the most severe challenges - as now. Indeed, the story of Lebanon, and its own resiliency in the face of decades of war and instability, is a testament to how effective public/private team work can enable each partner in the enterprise to perform at maximum capacity for the benefit of all. Lebanon has been able to weather many storms over the past 35 years, and - in the immediate situation - to steer a moderate course through the economic crisis of the last painful months." He added that "Some of our strongest corporations are with us for this first off experience. I am confident that they will carry Lebanon's flag forward with great effectiveness."

Bana Akkad Azhari, Lebanon Country Manager for Bank of New York Mellon said, "We are proud to be involved in this landmark capital market day for Lebanon. The Bank of New York Mellon has been conducting business in the Middle East and Africa for nearly 100 years. The Company has offices in Abu Dhabi, Beirut, Cairo, Dubai, Istanbul and Johannesburg and works with a wide range of banks, governments and other financial institutions throughout the region. The Bank of New York Mellon has been committed to Lebanon since 1963, offering issuer services, correspondent banking services, as well as custody and asset management services. As the global leader in corporate trust and depositary receipts services, we see Lebanon as one of our historic and most important markets and we look forward to working closely with issuers in the future."