The President of the Lebanese-Chinese Business Association Mr. Ali EL-Abdallah welcomed a Chinese diplomatic delegation headed by the Economic Advisor of the Chinese Embassy Ms. Li Jing and the accompanying delegation in Sidon
The President of the Lebanese-Chinese Business Association
Mr. Ali EL Abdallah welcomed a Chinese diplomatic delegation headed by the Economic Advisor of the Chinese Embassy Ms. Li Jing and the accompanying delegation in Sidon
Sidon, February 23, 2022
President of the Lebanese Chinese Business Association, Ali Mahmoud El Abdallah, received a high-level Chinese diplomatic delegation in Sidon and accompanied them on a series of visits across the city.
The delegation included Ms. Li Jing, Economic and Commercial Consul at the Chinese Embassy in Lebanon; Mr. Wang Gang, Secretary of the Economic and Commercial Section; Mr. Jin Lujian, Secretary of the Consular Section; and Mr. Wei Lun, Secretary of the Political Section.
Accompanied by Mr. El Abdallah, the delegation visited the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture in Sidon and South Lebanon, where they were welcomed by Mr. Mohamad Saleh, President of the Chamber, along with members of the Board of Directors. The delegation also visited Koutb City for home and electrical appliances, Azzam Solar Energy Company, and Al-Rida Construction Equipment Company.
During the visit, Ms. Li Jing praised the strong Lebanese-Chinese relations, stating that Lebanon, despite facing economic challenges, will overcome its difficulties through its own resilience. She added that “the Lebanese people are strong and capable of overcoming crises,” and commended the high level of Lebanese skills that have achieved success in various sectors. “Although Lebanon is a small country, its traders are highly skilled and among the most important importers of Chinese goods worldwide,” she said.
Ms. Li Jing also expressed her gratitude to Ali El Abdallah and the Lebanese Chinese Business Association for their solidarity with China at the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak in early 2020, saying, “This is a gesture we will never forget.”
For his part, Ali Mahmoud El Abdallah stated during the delegation’s visit:
“China has always shown great care and attention toward our country. The Chinese Embassy in Lebanon has consistently stood by Lebanon during difficult times. China is a friendly nation, and all Chinese ambassadors to Lebanon have expressed their sincere interest in developing bilateral relations. China has never hesitated to support Lebanon across various fields, and we will always remember its assistance to the people of Beirut after the port explosion. Furthermore, China stands firmly with Lebanon’s rightful causes and continuously expresses its solidarity with our nation. We look forward to further strengthening our relations with China and hold deep respect for its remarkable economic and technological achievements.”
He added:
“China is a global power that develops its diplomatic relations from a strategic perspective, aiming to enhance bilateral ties on political, economic, social, and even cultural levels. It follows a path of friendship and mutual interests in all its relations — a principle that has guided its 50-year relationship with Lebanon since the establishment of diplomatic ties. China has consistently supported Lebanon in areas such as education, healthcare, music, and culture — most notably by funding and equipping the new building of the National Higher Conservatory of Music (Conservatoire). China has also played an active role in peacekeeping and international security, contributing to the UNIFIL forces in South Lebanon and participating in international conferences supporting Lebanon, including the two international donor conferences held after the Beirut Port explosion, in addition to its support for Lebanon in various international forums.”
During the delegation’s visit to the Chamber of Commerce in Sidon, Mr. Mohamad
Saleh, the Chamber President, stated:
“South Lebanon, with its strategic location, continues to witness vibrant trade exchanges between southern Lebanese businesspeople and their Chinese counterparts. Trade relations between China and Lebanon have grown and developed significantly thanks to the signing of the Trade and Economic Agreement between the two countries in 1955, aimed at enhancing commercial and economic cooperation. Lebanon’s unique geographical position as a bridge between East and West has made it an important hub for the re-export of Chinese products abroad.”
