The agro-industrial sector is a major contributor to the Lebanese economy. In 2010 (latest available figures), it generated an estimated 32.1% of the industrial sector output and around 3% of the country's GDP, based on National Accounts estimates.  With an estimated workforce of over 20,600 it is considered the largest employer in the industrial sector. Agro-food products account for 13.73% of total exports, and have grown in volume at an average annual rate of 12.13% from 2008 until 2013.

The largest share of Lebanese agro-food exports is destined to the Arab Countries (excluding GCC Countries), at 51% of total exports. Syria, Iraq and Egypt rank first second and third respectively within this category. GCC Countries rank second amongst country groups and occupy around 21.3% of total exports, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE as main destinations. Africa ranks third with a share of 12.2% with Angola standing out as a top destination. Western Europe occupies the fourth place, while lower volumes are exported to North America, Asia and Australia. The volume of Agro-food exports has in fact increased by 36% from 2012 to 2013. Particularly interesting is the volume of exports to the non-GCC Arab Countries which have increased by 68% on overall. Exports to Syria have increased by 50% and now constitute around 52% of total exports to Arab Countries (non-GCC), volumes exported to Iraq increased by 242%, to Egypt by 134%, and to Jordan by 18%. This indicates that while the Syrian crisis has had its share of negative impact on the Lebanese economy, it has allowed for increased demand on Lebanese products to compensate the decrease in Syrian exports in these markets. Another notable trend is the increase in exports to the African market; exports to Angola for instance are nearly double the volume of exports to Jordan - the main products exported being within the beverages, spirits and vinegar category.

 

Accessing new markets

 

The current Russian ban on most food imports from the U.S., European Union, Canada, Australia and Norway has presented Lebanon with a new opportunity to export to the Russian market. The sanctions encompassed all dairy, meat, fish, fruit and vegetable products.  Lebanon is not an exporter of meat and fish nor has the capacity to export these products in terms of volume to the Russian market , however, given that the country's main exports are in agro-food and agriculture, there is definitely a new window of opportunity to seize.

IDAL, in collaboration with the Russian Embassy in Lebanon, is spearheading this initiative by organizing a workshop on 14 November to Lebanese agro-food and agriculture exporters on the opportunities and limitations of exporting to Russia. This workshop, given the interest of Lebanese exporters, will be followed by a possible trade mission to Russia encompassed of targeted B to B meetings between Lebanese and Russian companies.

 

On the same note, and in order to access new markets and increase exports, IDAL was present along with a delegation of over 18 Lebanese companies at the SIAL Paris trade show from 19-23 October. The Lebanese products showcased consisted of canned food, spices, coffee, beans, pickles, and jams.

 

 

LEBANON AMONG THE TOP COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD IN TERMS OF EDUCATION

 

In the latest issue of the Global Competitiveness Report 2014-2015, Lebanon once again showed a good performance, benchmarked against global standards. This year's report highlighted particularly Lebanon's high quality of education, reflected on all academic levels,  namely Primary Education, Math and Science, and graduate studies.

 

 

In fact, Lebanon ranked 28^th globally in the overall quality of the educational system and 5^thglobally in the quality of math and science education, making it one of the best sources of talent not only to serve the region but also the international scene. More specifically, Lebanon ranked 28^thglobally and 5^th in the MENA region in terms of availability of scientists and engineers, again highlighting the high-value added skills that the country can export. 

 

 

  

Source: Global Competitiveness Report 2014-2015

 

 

Source: Global Competitiveness Report 2014-2015 

 

Source: Global Competitiveness Report 2014-2015

Moreover, Lebanon high equality of education starts with Primary Education all the way to graduate studies. Lebanon ranks 16th globally and 3rd in the region in terms of Quality of Primary Education and 17th Globally and 2nd in the region in the Quality of Management Schools available in the country.  

 

258 NEW INDUSTRIAL LICENSES IN THE FIRST HALF OF 2014

 

According to figures by the Ministry of Industry,  258 new industrial licenses were issued in the first half of 2014, up by 22.9% from 210 licenses in the corresponding period of 2013. Almost 50% of the licenses are in construction, while more than 70% of licenses are related to construction and investments. 

 

MAJOR TYPES OF LICENCES (1H 2014)

 

 

 

Source: Ministry of Industry

DISTRIBUTION OF NEW LICENSES BY REGION (1H 2014)

 

 

Source: Ministry of Industry

  

 

 

LEBANESE PAVILION AT THE SIAL PARIS TRADE SHOW