With the support from the USAID-funded Industry Value Chain Development Project (LIVCD), some 20 rural women cooperatives from various parts of the country participated in the Beirut Cooking Festival which was held between November 12 and 14 and the within “Atayeb Lubnaniya” exhibition stand. The participating women cooperatives showcased their diverse products and took part in the daily cooking events on the sideline of the festival boasting traditional local recipes. The USAID supported project, it should be noted, aims at assisting cooperatives in developing their capacities through improving their production processes, upgrading the quality of products and developing their marketing channels. The LIVCD head Jane Gleason described the festival as a great opportunity for small groups of producers to showcase their cooking delights, expand their markets and increase their income. (Daily Star, November 25 2015)