Lebanese Telecommunications Minister Mohammad Choucair, representing Prime Minister Saad Hariri, speaks during the China Lebanon Investment Forum in Beirut, Lebanon, March 30, 2019. Gao Yan, chairwoman of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), announced on Saturday the opening of an office for CCPIT in Lebanon. "CCPIT in Lebanon will cooperate with Lebanese chambers to improve commercial and trade ties between Lebanon and China," Gao said. She added that China is Lebanon's largest trade partner and her country is keen on maintaining this position in the coming years. Gao's remarks came during the China Lebanon Investment Forum which aimed at drawing a roadmap for the future of cooperation between Lebanon and China on various levels. The event, which took place at Adnan Kassar Edifice for Arab Economy in Beirut, saw the participation of Lebanese officials, the Chinese Ambassador to Lebanon Wang Kejian and representatives of the economic sectors in Lebanon and China. Gao also signed two memorandums of understanding with Lebanese officials for promotion of Chinese investment and collaboration on Lebanon's industrial zones and the creation of the China Arab Arbitration Center. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich)