The Chair of the Investment Development Authority of Lebanon (IDAL), Nabil Itani, pointed out that the integration in 2012 of the domestic olive oil into “Agri-Plus” export program has achieved good results, doubling the size of exports by 231% (from 3238 tons in 2011 to 7521 tons in 2015). Itani’s statement came during a workshop organized by IDAL in Hasbaya area, to clarify the mechanism of implementation of the repayment of the USD7.5 million-worth Chinese loan through the export of made-in-Lebanon products (such as olive oil, beverages, nuts, dried and canned fruits and jams). He went on to add that Lebanese olive oil exports succeeded in entering unprecedented foreign markets, notably the Americas and Australia, and that is despite growing international competition. (Al Hayat, Al Mustaqbal, February 15, 2015)