President Joseph Aoun Inaugurates the Lebanese Industry Expo: “You want to rebuild Lebanon? Start producing again in Lebanon.”
Under the high patronage and in the presence of H.E. General Joseph Aoun, President of the Lebanese Republic, the Lebanese Industry Expo officially opened on Wednesday, October 29, at Seaside Arena – Beirut. This major event is an initiative of the Association of Lebanese Industrialists (ALI), with the support of the Ministry of Industry and co-organized by Hospitality Services and Promofair.
Spanning 10,000 square meters and gathering 190 exhibitors, the event runs until November 1, from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., showcasing the creativity, expertise, and strength of Lebanese industry across a wide range of sectors -from agro-food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and technology to fashion, manufacturing, and heavy industries.
After cutting the ribbon alongside the Minister of Industry H.E. Joe Issa El Khoury, the President of ALI Mr. Salim Zeenni, Mrs. Joumana Dammous-Salamé, Managing Director of Hospitality Services, and Mrs. Lena Choueiri Nahas, Managing Partner of Promofair, President Aoun toured the exhibition stands and addressed attendees with a powerful and heartfelt message. “The country’s needs are immense,” he said, “but its opportunities are even greater.” He praised the resilience of Lebanese industrialists who have continued to produce and safeguard thousands of jobs despite the economic and energy crises.
In his direct and resolute tone, the President made a powerful call: “You want to rebuild Lebanon? Start producing again in Lebanon. Consume Lebanese, export Lebanese, so we stop exporting our youth and importing our daily life.” He further emphasized the need for a modern industrial strategy rooted in local realities yet open to regional and global markets, especially in areas related to digitalization and the knowledge economy.
H.E. El Khoury, announced that the first Thursday of November will henceforth be celebrated as the National Lebanese Industry Day. He presented the key pillars of the new national industrial strategy, the result of months of consultation with the sector’s stakeholders. The plan focuses on:
- Creating a transparent and competitive environment that ensures fair access to finance.
- Establishing Made in Lebanon as an internationally recognized label of quality.
- Developing integrated industrial zones across all regions.
- Encouraging innovation and supporting SMEs and young entrepreneurs.
- Promoting sustainable and high-value-added green industries.
The Minister of Industry also highlighted the sector’s importance: more than 7,000 companies, 250,000 direct jobs, and USD 2.5 billion in exports to 168 countries. “Lebanon no longer seeks to merely survive — it seeks to prosper,” he declared.
Mr. Zeenni underscored the symbolic power of this collaboration between the public and private sectors: “This partnership between ALI, the Ministry of Industry, and the organizing partners reflects our shared conviction in the strength and potential of Lebanese industry. Through this expo, we show the world that Lebanon continues to produce, innovate, and compete at the highest standards, despite all challenges.”
Mrs. Choueiri Nahas added: “The Lebanese Industry Expo stands as a symbol of leadership, courage, and partnership. Together with ALI, we are building a vision -a platform that celebrates Lebanese entrepreneurship, promotes excellence, and empowers local producers to shine both nationally and internationally.”
Mrs. Dammous-Salamé stated: “Spanning 10,000 square meters, the Lebanese Industry Expo highlights the creativity, know-how, and industrial power of Lebanon, reaffirming our identity as a nation of talent, innovation, and opportunity. We are proud to co-organize this landmark event.”
Beyond the exhibition area, the event features a rich program of specialized activities, including Industry Talks -panel discussions uniting leaders from both the public and private sectors around emerging trends, sustainable practices, and strategies for a resilient and productive economy. Interactive zones such as Culinary Experience and Aalmouda add further depth to the visitor journey. A hosted buyers’ program also aims to boost Lebanese exports and open new markets, reinforcing the expo’s role as a platform for economic growth and industrial outreach.
The opening ceremony concluded with the presentation of an honorary trophy to President Joseph Aoun by the Association of Lebanese Industrialists, in recognition of his commitment to the manufacturing sector and the real economy.
