Organizers, guests of honor, and award winners gathered for the group photo of the 75th anniversary of the Franco-Lebanese Chamber of Commerce at the Cercle de l'Union Interalliée.(Credit: Ammar Abd Rabbo)
Guests gathered Thursday in the blue and gold salons of the Cercle de l’Union interalliée to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Franco-Lebanese Chamber of Commerce (CCFL), founded in 1950 to promote trade between France and Lebanon.
Among the economic figures who have led the Chamber are Joseph Khadige, Robert Tabouis, Halim Malhameh, Edouard Saman, Jacques Saadehw, and Gaby Tamer, now honorary president of the CCFL.
After the national anthems of both countries, Marie-Hélène Hery, director of the CCFL and organizer of the event, welcomed an enthusiastic assembly involved in the symbolism of the celebration. She notably reminded attendees that the 75th anniversary of the CCFL was an opportunity to celebrate "shared successes."
Maxence Duault, president of the CCFL, then stressed that it is one of the oldest bilateral chambers in France, highlighting "the vitality and k rimsindness of this cooperation." He spoke about the dynamism of its many initiatives, making it a "living tool" and a "meeting place," with the aim of "encouraging exchanges, cultivating opportunities, preserving cultural heritage, and helping ensure good corporate governance."
Lebanon’s ambassador to France, Rabih al-Chaer, for his part hailed the organization’s "spirit of initiative, openness, and dialogue." He invited entrepreneurs to join the Franco-Lebanese Chamber and recalled that this year, 11,000 Lebanese students are pursuing their studies in France. "I invite the Chamber of Commerce to give them its full attention," he added. "Lebanon does not need pity, but partners," he concluded fervently.
Lebanon’s minister of culture, Ghassan Salamweh, then took the stage and spoke with rigor and clarity. "Some believe our government hasn’t done enough, but you have to consider the seriousness of the situation we inherited," he stated, before insisting on the determination of his colleagues around three major focuses: public administration reform, financial reform, and security.
The attentive audience responded with enthusiastic applause when the minister announced plans for a law enabling expatriate voting. Another promising perspective: outlining a “macroeconomic vision for the country, to be presented at the Beirut I conference, notably before hundreds of entrepreneurs,” he added, expressing confidence in facing the challenges of building peace.
A guest speaker and six trophies
Rodolphe Saadeh, CEO of CMA CGM Group, was the guest of honor for the evening. Interviewed by Farid Aractingi, secretary-general of the Franco-Lebanese Chamber of Commerce from 2018 to 2024, the entrepreneur immediately encouraged investments in Lebanon, a country he described as having “a very competitive market and an exceptional geographical position.” “As chairman, I will continue to invest in Lebanon,” he stated confidently.
He emphasized how quickly the Middle East is developing, and said that it is not a problem for young Lebanese people to go study abroad. “But the goal is to come back,” he told them. While Saadeh recalled CMA CGM’s roots in Marseille, where his father settled in 1978 to start his company with four employees — now 160,000 — he emphasized the need to embrace movement. “We shouldn’t get fixated on just one place,” he advised. According to him, the group’s family ownership is a strength: “We can decide very quickly, because we think in terms of the long term.”
The businessman then spoke about the importance of “undergoing transformation with AI,” and urged the audience to keep hope for Lebanon: “Keep believing in this little country that finds itself in the middle of hell and yet thinks it’s in paradise.”
Guests went on to ask about his meeting with Donald Trump, whom he described as “very elegant, with a pink tie, impressive in size and presence.” The two-and-a-half hour conversation with the American president in the Oval Office was, for Saadeh, “a unique experience.”
Asked about his investments in media in France, he specified: “We’re not seeking influence, but a nuanced discourse, nourished with verified information, inviting the public to think for itself.” Before the mandarin dessert, the awarding of the trophies was a moment of sharing and pride, celebrating success stories as creative as they were original.
Rima Abdul Malak, director of L’Orient-Le Jour and former French culture minister, awarded Zeina Saleh Kayali the Arts and Culture trophy, praising the richness and quality of her projects — concerts, books, conferences and master classes — aimed at promoting Lebanon’s musical heritage. It was also an opportunity to mention upcoming dates for Les Musicales du Liban in Paris.
For social entrepreneurship, Léa Moukanas was recognized for her association Aïda, which improves the daily lives of young people with cancer.
The Food and Beverage trophy went to Baltis, the ice cream maker, while Conserverie des Cinq Océans received the industry award. The gastronomic segment, always popular, sparked a flurry of culinary exchanges.
The shortage of Doliprane during Covid in France inspired Bernard Tannoury to create a medication factory near Lyon: Benta, which received the Health trophy.
Finally, for technology and IT, Drapp, a company offering an innovative telemedicine service, was honored, represented by Shyrine Yaghi.
In the wood-paneled salons, there was a warm outpouring in celebration of modern and lively creativity, carried by optimistic and committed personalities, in a festive anniversary atmosphere.
Israel continues attacks on southern Lebanon, demolishes buildings in Bint Jbeil