General News AMCHAM - 1/1/2009 Author: arpacnetwork.org On Tuesday July 1st 2008, LTA and LCGTF in collaboration with the Better Business Group at the American Lebanese Chamber of commerce organized a Roundtable on corporate Governance at the Intercontinental Phoenicia Hotel. The better Business Group was established to raise awareness and encourage the practice of Transparency, Business Ethics and Conduct, Corporate Citizenship, Social Responsibility, and Corporate Governance. The opening session speakers were: Mr. Salim Zeenni,( President of the American Lebanese Chamber of Commerce), Mr. Fadi Saab,(Chairman of the Better Business Group and Board member at LTA), and Mr. Martin Steindl; (Corporate Governance MENA Program Manager, International Finance Corporation). The opening session was followed by presentations from Badri El Meouchi (Co-executive director at LTA) and Aleksandr Shkolnikov (program officer of global programs at the Center for International Private Enterprise) which focused on the theory and benefits of Corporate Governance. A final presentation by the chairman of Malia Holding, Mr. Jaques Sarraf, focused on the practical aspects of Corporate Governance. In addition to AMCHAM members, the event was also attended by various heads of Economic Organizations, and prominent businessmen. The speakers affirmed that Compliance with Corporate Governance principles increases transparency and disclosure and helps businesses survive in an increasingly competitive environment. A discussion with the participants highlighted how good CG practices can lead to a better system of internal controls, which can pave the way for future growth, while making a company look more attractive to investors and more profitable. CG frameworks revolve around well-defined structures and procedures, a solid control environment, and high levels of transparency and disclosure – with the objective of increasing responsibility and accountability within a company. View Count: 952 times