Dear colleagues,

History books will reserve a prominent place for 2009. Ink will flow abundantly from academics’ and regulators’ pens. Students will have a hard time understanding its impact on the world economy.

As for us, we will have to abide by new rules and regulations and rethink our strategies to comply with a new world financial order.

Einstein once said: "We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them."

Lebanon has enjoyed a safe haven status last year but this does not give it a free ticket for 2009, neither will any other country get one.

We are at a crossroad of history, but there is no dead-ends in human destiny. Let us ride the surf and not let it drown us. We can only do that by remaining vigilant and extending our hands to each others.

In Lebanon, where bonds and especially human bonds are treasured, the 35th ICA annual congress will be held, under the patronage of His Excellency Mr. Riad Salameh, Governor of Banque du Liban.

We wish to cordially invite all ACI Lebanon members to attend and make this event a memorable one.

Despite the growing problems of the Financial Markets, we will endeavor to offer you the best and, in order to achieve that, the support of your institutions is needed.

They can choose to participate as exhibitors, sponsors or any other manner they find suitable and become, thus, our partners in making Beirut 2009 an outstanding success.

Let us all share the burden and the privilege of being part of a successful congress.

Welcome to a different world.

Your colleague
Nakhlé Khoneisser
President, ACI Lebanon