Professors A. Al-Dah, G. Dibeh, and W. Shahine presented a study on the Distributional Impact of Taxes at the Commodore Hotel on October 29, 1998. The authors first presented the fiscal changes in Lebanon with a special focus on the tax developments. This was soon followed by the other countries' experiences in reforming their tax system. Against this background, the authors present their findings with respect to the distributional impact of direct and indirect taxes in Lebanon. Finally, a set of recommendations was presented.

Following their presentation, Ms. Abou Mosleh, on behalf of Mr. Ghaleb Abou-Mosleh, presented a critique on the study. This was followed with an open discussion and debate with the guests. The workshop was attended by high level government officials including the Advisor to the Minister of Finance; Head of the Institute of Finance; Head of Departments in the Central Bank; officials from the Center for Development and Reconstruction; economists and university professors from American University of Beirut, Lebanese University, and Harvard University; international organizations such as ESCWA and UNDP; consulting firms such as CRI, MI Associates, and Chairman of al-Bouhous; the secretary general of the Association of Banks, and the general manager of the RDCL.

The research study was published in April 1999