Bouchikian said that the exhibition that will take place “under the patronage of Prime Minister Nagib Mikati” at the Baghdad International Exhibition will feature “90 companies.” (Credit: NNA)
BEIRUT – Industry Minister George Bouchikian announced Friday that “Made in Lebanon,” a trade show promoting Lebanese products in Iraq, will take place on Jan. 20. The minister’s announcement came during an interview broadcast on the Radio Free Lebanon station, the state-run National News Agency reported.
Here’s what we know:
• Bouchikian said that the exhibition that will take place “under the patronage of Prime Minister Nagib Mikati” at the Baghdad International Exhibition will feature “90 companies.” Bouchikian also announced that the ministry is “working on an Iraqi-Lebanese shared economic committee” that would address “the transit of products and the cancellation of fees for the entry of Iraqi products into Lebanon.”
• The industry minister claimed that Iraqis have a “preference for Lebanese products” while emphasizing the friendly relations between Iraq and Lebanon by citing “Iraq’s support with $400 million in fuel,” referencing a deal between the countries to trade fuel for services beginning in late 2020.
• Commenting on the “industrial exchange and opening of markets” between Iraq and Lebanon, Bouchikian emphasized the role of “food and petrochemical products, all products related to construction and manufacturing, and electric generators.”
• In the interview the minister also championed locally produced pharmaceuticals, which he found to meet “international quality standards.” The minister also mentioned “positive results” reached in cooperation with Health Minister Firass Abiad to “guarantee local pharmaceuticals meet patients’ needs.” Bouchikian noted the importance of “exporting medicines produced in Lebanon and meeting the local market’s demands.”