May 30 – June 1, 2005 | Byblos, Lebanon
The School of Business at the Lebanese American University has established the tradition and culture of holding annual forums of “brain circulation” in a region characterized by the phenomenon of “brain drain.” The objective of these annual conferences is to promote the exchange of knowledge and ideas in the field of economics and finance as they apply to the economies of the MENA region.
Past conferences have been successful attracting scholars and policy makers from all over the world. These conferences featured presentations and contributions from international scholars from the United States, England, France, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Turkey, and the Middle East.
While some of the presentations were theoretical in nature, most were empirical and had policy prescriptions; as such, the conferences drew the attention of the local community leaders and policy makers in addition to economists from all over Lebanon. In addition to hosting academicians, the conference also traditionally hosts policy makers as part of the Seminar Series on the Lebanese Economy. Speakers in the policy sessions include members of parliament, the governor and vice governors of the Central Bank, directors general, heads of municipalities and activists.
The policy sessions are traditionally catered to the local community with simultaneous translation to English to allow the international participants to interact with local decision makers. The experience of the participants has been very positive and enlightening.
The conference will take place at the Byblos Campus of the Lebansese American University.
Papers that address all areas of economics and finance with application to the Middle East and North Africa region are solicited. Proposals for complete sessions (three to four papers each) are also invited. Papers submitted for the organized sessions will be considered on an individual basis unless the proposal specifies that the session be considered in its entirety.
Abstracts and full papers can be submitted electronically or by mail to the addresses specified under “Correspondence.”
Papers accepted for presentation can be submitted for consideration for publication in the Review of Middle East Economics and Finance, published by Taylor and Francis. Authors of accepted papers to the conference will be eligible for reduced subscription rates to the Review of Middle East Economics and Finance. In addition, presenters will be offered a conference subsidy to be determined at a later date.
The Lebanese American University is the fastest growing university in Lebanon. It offers liberal arts education through the schools of Arts and Sciences, Business, Engineering and Architecture, and Pharmacy. The university has two campuses located strategically in Beirut and Byblos. Faculty members in the School of Business have been active in research and policy formulation on economic and financial issues. For more information on LAU, explore its official website.
The School of Business at LAU offers a variety of programs in Business Studies. Areas of specialization available include Accounting, Banking and Finance, Computer, Economics, Family and Entrepreneurial Business, Hospitality and Tourism Management, International Business, Management and Marketing. These programs lead to a B.S. in Business Studies, B.S. or B.A. in Economics, and A.A.S. in Business Management and Office Management. The School of Business also offers a Master in Business Administration (MBA) degree and an Executive MBA degree.
The School of Business is heavily involved in providing executive training services to the local and regional community through its institutes. It currently supports three professional institutes.
The School also houses the first regional chapter for the Middle East Economic Association.
The city of Byblos rests at 40 km north of the capital Beirut. It is one of the oldest cities of the world. It holds pride for the creation of the alphabet during Phoenician times, to being the port of origin for Phoenician trade routes, and to the birthplace of Cadmus, the first teacher in known history.
Getting to Lebanon is easy. The Beirut International Airport is connected to all major capitals of the world and served by an extensive array of international airlines. Two-way transportation from the airport to Byblos will be arranged for participants. For more information on Lebanon, connect to www.lebanon-tourism.gov.lb.
Please submit abstracts and inquiries to:
Dr. Salpie Djoundourian
Chair, Organizing Committee
Lebanese American University
P.O. Box 36
Byblos, Lebanon
E-mail: econ_conference@lau.edu.lb