Opening of Taste of America exhibition to assist small enterprises || Newspapers (Arabic)

The Lebanese-American Chamber of Commerce organised in collaboration with the US embassy in Lebanon as well as BIEL- Beirut International Exhibition & Leisure Center the Taste of America exhibition.  The event was organised within the framework of HORECA 2013 and was attended by the president of the organizing chamber Mr. Salim Zeenni.

US Ambassador Mora Connelly noted in her opening address the importance of trade exchange between the two countries which has increased four-fold between 2005 and 2010 (i.e. by 279%).  She also revealed that the US agricultural exports to Lebanon have reached 113 million dollars in 2012 with the overall trade exchange between the two countries recording 1.9 billion USD in 2011.  Connelly also highlighted the various form of US support to Lebanon including this event which was organised within the framework of trade exchange between the two countries also pointing out to USAID support to the agricultural and food sector in Lebanon while seeking to strengthen productivity and marketing links between local and international buyers.

USAID has invested since 2008 some 80 million US dollars in building the capacities of small and medium agricultural enterprises including women enterprises so that they improve their performances and strengthen subsequently the production chain.  This support involves collaboration with farmers, exporters, laboratories, bankers, distributors and buyers with the aim of facilitating technical assistance, marketing, investment in new technologies, as well as well as access to financing.    USAID also plays the role of a conduit to facilitate knowledge exchange and provide assistance to facilitate communication between the different actors and stakeholders in this sector.  The main aim from these various interventions is to strengthen links, upgrade skills and improve productivity.  Within the same vein, Maymooneh also received support from USAID.  It is to be noted that Maymooneh is a women owned enterprises that produces canned and preserved foods in addition to jams, dried fruits, pomegranate molasses and rose water.

Source: Al-Nahar 11 April 2013