The reconstruction plan began in 1993 with a three-year program, known as « the emergency plan», in order to take in charge the essential parts of the infrastructure, at a 2, 5 billion dollars cost.

Two years later, this plan was replaced by a much more ambitious one, known as « Horizon 2000 », and expected to last till 2002 at an estimated cost of 12 billion dollars.

The achievements were spectacular though the « international funds» promised during the Taëf agreement never saw light. Donations and credits were granted, instead, by friend countries and international bodies wishing to contribute to the infrastructure restoration efforts, and more debts were incurred in order to make up for the deficit. However, contrary to what is usually said, it is not the cost of the reconstruction works that constituted the major part of the Lebanese national debt, but different factors we cannot analyze in this context.

On the organizational level, the CDR (Council for Development and Reconstruction) was on the forefront in the execution of these projects. Other bodies contributed as well in this regard: such as the Council of the South or the Fund of the displaced, with a specific field of action for each.

The final result, at the end of 2006, was that the basic infrastructure reached a satisfactory level, but its management was still weak, as we can note in the edifying example of electricity, which is not yet properly provided, due to its bad management.

As to big urbanism projects, the downtown, which started in 1994 and is still under construction, comes in the first place. A private Company, Solidere, had been formed for this end, with a 21.6 billion dollars Capital. Having completed the construction of the basic infrastructures (which is still doing now), it has also restored some 250 historical buildings, before starting other projects. The private sector, on the other hand, has started its own projects of residential or commercial buildings in the Downtown, at a fluctuating rhythm according to years and demand. Although there were some protests at the beginning regarding the construction plan, the result was great from the urban point of view, and the development is still far from the saturation point.

Other global development projects took place as well, such as Elissar project in the southern suburb of Beirut, or Linord at the North-East coast exit of Beirut. But none of these projects came to end for different reasons.

Another global development plan for the Lebanese territory was prepared by the CDR few years ago. Yet, its implementation is still awaiting a political consensus on its different components.

On the private level, property developers played a very active role and tens of thousands of houses have been built. However, this was done, sometimes, without previous study for offer and demand. So, when the general economic crisis emerged in the country in the second half of the 90’s, many housing stocks remained unsold in all regions.

Starting from the year 2000 and till now, the construction sector became more professional and demand increased, in such a way that the Sector witnessed a renewed dynamism, especially in Beirut and its suburbs, in Mount-Lebanon and in some other regions.

Demand mainly comes from Lebanese residents, in general, but also from expatriates wishing to purchase a « pied-à-terre » in their native country. A term that means sometimes a 300 m2 – apartment for a budget of 500 000 dollars. This is boosted sometimes by real estate credits easily granted by Banks, as well as by the Housing Bank and the public establishment for housing, two half state-controlled bodies.

Another significant part of demand comes from Gulf citizens. A habit that dates back to the 60’s and that resumed at a steady rhythm. This was encouraged by a new law that facilitated the acquisition of properties by foreigners. It is true that there are still some restrictions (3000 m2 land maximum per buyer) but dispensations are granted by the Council of Ministers.

« If the building goes well, everything goes well » … This economic adage applies also to Lebanon. In fact, the country witnessed a huge development in the industry of cement and other building materials, equipment, quarries, furniture, etc. but the impact of this development remained limited given that many of these elements were imported, so the local added value didn’t witness the expected development like in other countries.