For a comprehensive and global vision to develop the promising Lebanese food industry

In his staunch efforts to develop the national industry, particularly at cross-sectoral and regional levels, the President of the Lebanese Industrialists Association, LIA, headed a meeting yesterday with representatives of the syndicate of Owners of Food Industries to discuss the current situation and ways for better cooperation with the food industry sector. LIA President, Fadi Gemayel, after his meeting with head of the Syndicate’s new board of directors, Ahmad Hoteyt, called for the preparation of a five-year vision for the food industry as well as a detailed plan to increase exports over the next three years. He stressed the sector’s high quality and international standards, as well as its authentic Lebanese flavor. Gemayel also urged food industrialists to redouble their efforts to access new markets and boost exports to Africa, the United States, Canada, Latin America, Iraq, Iran, China, Russia, and Britain. While encouraging food manufacturers to pursue the British BRC certification, he noted that globalization challenges and current limitations of the sector in Lebanon, particularly high costs of production, argue for better specialization in upgrading quality and up scaling exports. (Al Mustaqbal, An Nahar, December 29, 2015)