MoU between the Ministry of Industry and UN organisations in Lebanon to facilitate the purchasing of products from local factories

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was announced yesterday between several UN agencies working in Lebanon namely UNDP, UNHCR, UNRWA, WFP and UNICEF and the Ministry of Industry whereby these agencies active in emergency assistance commit to buying products from local Lebanese factories.  The MoU was exchanged during a meeting held at the offices of the Minister of Industry, Frej Sabounjian, with the participation of UN Resident Representative, Robert Watkins, and UNIDO Regional Representative, Cristiano Pasini.
Sabounjian considered this to be a major achievement that will have major returns as it will allow local factories to sell their products while providing incentives to local factories to increase their production and to meet the new demand as well to develop new lines of products.  The MoU will also allow Lebanese merchants to import products which are not currently available in Lebanon.
Sabounjian also added that his Ministry will organise a workshop on February 13th to familiarize stakeholders with the calls for offers and procurement procedures.  The Ministry will invite to this planned workshop participants such as the Chamber of Commerce, the Industrialists Association, Merchants Associations, and various syndicates.  In addition, the Ministry will be opening a special office to provide necessary information on the calls for offers and how to participate in placing bids.
Source: Al-Safir, Al-Nahar 23 January 2014