BEIRUT: Finance Minister Raya Hassan said the government is working hard on supporting and activating the work of organizations such as First Protocol, a global communications agency. She cited the important role that such organizations played in boosting the national economy and the the great efforts of its owners and members who are spread across all Lebanese territories. The finance minister’s remarks came Saturday during a diner held in celebration of the 10th anniversary of First Protocol, a global, integrated communications agency whose roots lie in live-event marketing with offices in London and New York. “We, as a government, are working hard on supporting these institutions through loans and we have so far raised LL70 billion (around $466 million) to help in supporting the work of these organizations,” the minister said. Hassan also praised the efforts of small and medium enterprises to persevere despite the unstable circumstances that have been negatively affecting Lebanon over the past few years.