A Chinese diplomatic delegation hosted by economic Authorities in Jounieh and Keserwan: We support the export of Lebanese products to China. President of the Lebanese-Chinese Business Association Ali Mahmoud El Abdallah: Jounieh and Keserwan “the beatin
A Chinese diplomatic delegation hosted by economic Authorities in Jounieh and Keserwan:
We support the export of Lebanese products to China. President of the
Lebanese-Chinese Business Association
Ali Mahmoud El Abdallah:
Jounieh and Keserwan “the beating heart of Lebanese industry and the pride of the national economy”.
The Economic Counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Lebanon, Li Jing, stated that her embassy is committed to strengthening economic relations between the two countries, welcoming Lebanese businesspeople to visit China in order to enhance communication channels and support the export of Lebanese products to the Chinese market.
During a visit, accompanied by Mr. Ali Mahmoud El Abdallah, President of the Lebanese Chinese Business Association, to the Jounieh branch of the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture of Beirut and Mount Lebanon, Li Jing emphasized that the Economic and Commercial Department of the Embassy will provide communication channels between chambers of commerce and companies in both countries to facilitate Lebanese exports to China.
The delegation was received by Cheikh Nassib Gemayel, President of the Union of Traders in Mount Lebanon. The meeting was also attended by Mr. Sami Airani, President of the Association of Traders in Jounieh and Keserwan , along with a group of presidents of traders’ associations in Mount Lebanon, Mr. Elie Nakhleh, President of the Chouf Traders Association, Ms. Marlene Rizk, Regional Director of Qatar Airways, and a number of businessmen and traders from Keserwan and Jounieh. The embassy delegation included Mr. Wang Gang, Secretary of the Economic and Commercial Section, and Ms. Hu Qiqi, Officer at the Economic and Commercial Section.
Cheikh Nassib Gemayel, President of the Union of Traders in Mount Lebanon, welcomed the Chinese diplomatic delegation to the Chamber’s Jounieh branch, noting that the Chinese market represents an opportunity to expand the outlets for Lebanese products. He called for the opening of more trade channels with China, praising the efforts of the Chinese Embassy in Lebanon and all initiatives that help facilitate the export of Lebanese goods to the Chinese market. Sheikh Jamil added that Lebanese products enjoy global standards and would represent an added value in Chinese markets.
Mr. Sami Airani, President of the Association of Traders in Jounieh and Keserwan , said:
“We are delighted to welcome you and meet together here in Jounieh the main hub for traders, industrialists, and farmers in the region, many of whom are represented by our association. We deeply appreciate your visit, made possible through the efforts of our colleagues, Cheikh Nassib Gemayel, President of the Union of Traders in Mount Lebanon, and Mr. Ali Mahmoud El Abdallah, President of the Lebanese Chinese Business Association, and we highly value the willingness of Her Excellency the Commercial Attaché of the People’s Republic of China to attend this meeting and closely examine the course of trade relations between our two countries.
Let us take this opportunity to discuss matters of mutual interest, especially those concerning Lebanese importers present here today, and to explore together how to strengthen fruitful cooperation between Lebanese businesspeople and the People’s Republic of China, while also identifying appropriate solutions to any challenges that arise during trade exchange, import, and export operations.
We once again extend our warmest welcome and deepest gratitude for all the efforts you are making to advance trade relations between the two countries and to ensure their continued growth year after year.”
For her part, Counselor Li Jing said:
“We welcome the esteemed representatives and members of the Chamber of Commerce to visit our country in order to explore cooperation opportunities. In November of this year, China will host the 6th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai. In 2019, Lebanon organized a national pavilion at the 2nd CIIE, which attracted a large number of Chinese importers and consumers, showcasing Lebanese products and industries. We warmly invite all Lebanese businesspeople to participate actively in this event and present their products. We can also provide assistance in learning about the CIIE and responding to related inquiries.
We thank the Lebanese Chinese Business Association for its efforts and thank you for the kind reception at your esteemed Chamber of Commerce.”
In turn, Mr. Ali Mahmoud El Abdallah, President of the Lebanese Chinese Business Association, expressed his gratitude to Cheikh Nassib Gemayel, President of the Union of Traders in Mount Lebanon, for the hospitality and field tour of companies in the area, and to Mr. Sami Airani, President of the Association of Traders in Jounieh and Keserwan , for the warm welcome. He also welcomed the visit of the Chinese Embassy delegation to the region, affirming that the economic and commercial institutions in Keserwan and Jounieh have long proven to be pillars of the national economy, having achieved success not only in Lebanon but also in international markets.
Mr. El Abdallah noted that Lebanese industry, which has historically flourished through products originating from various parts of Keserwan, continues to demonstrate even amid crises and hardships the resilience, creativity, and innovation of Lebanese industrialists, who not only overcome challenges but also create hope and inspire young Lebanese entrepreneurs to pursue their ambitions. He described Keserwan and Jounieh as “the beating heart of Lebanese industry and the pride of the national economy.” He added that while entering the Chinese market is not easy, it remains a promising and worthwhile opportunity for all Lebanese manufacturers.
Delegation Visits
Following the meeting at the Chamber’s Jounieh branch, the delegation conducted a tour of several companies and factories.
In Jounieh, they visited Airani Mall, followed by a visit in Zouk to Moulin D’Or, a leading bakery and confectionery company, where they reviewed the company’s history, global presence, and commitment to international quality standards.
The delegation then visited INDEVCO Group in Zouk, where they were introduced to the history and global reach of Sanita, as well as its international production standards.
The final stop was in Halet, where they visited the Gergey Sabounjian Factory, reviewing the company’s manufacturing activities and product lines.
