MoI promotes industrial fairs

Municipalities will donate lands to build facilities

A new initiative launched by the Ministry of Industry (MoI) aims to develop industries in different regions by establishing permanent fairs. “Fairs can be established in all governorates to boost local industries and development in those areas,” said Minister of Industry Vrej Sabounjian.

Sabounjian said: “The municipalities could offer unexploited lands which they own. The construction of the fairs could be funded by donors or industrialists.” He said no rental fees would be paid for the land donated by the municipalities. Exhibitors will pay for operational costs such as staff and electricity.

Ziad Bekdache, Vice President of the Association of Lebanese Industrialists (ALI), said such fairs have a significant importance for citizens and tourists: “They introduce them to local industries and give them the chance to compare local and foreign products’ quality and prices.” He said such fairs could be hosted in all regions with existing industries.

“Similar fairs should exist in all governorates and include most of the local products. Entrance should be free for all citizens and students,” said Bekdache. Sabounjian said that the fairs would only include products manufactured in a certain region, such as olive oil, soap, and furniture.

The MoI will lay out plans to help industrialists build the fairs. Bekdache said: “The fairs should be managed by the municipalities and supervised by the MoI and ALI.”