Embassy Highlights

With Help From the American People, Lebanese Small Businesses Show Their Products in New York

March 22, 2007

Small business owners test the international market for their products at the New York Gift Show...

In an effort to address the challenges resulting from last summer’s conflict in Lebanon, the U.S. Government is providing assistance to small business owners to help them access new markets for their products and diversify their income. Within this context, SRI International participated in the New York Gift Show, the premier gift and decorative accessories market in the United States. This annual four-day event gathered more than 2,900 firms from around the world. SRI served as the link between the Lebanese small businesses and potential buyers in the U.S., through the establishment of the Lebanese pavilion. Twelve Lebanese small businesses had their products shipped to New York specifically for the show. Businesses typically included crafts, leather works, designer items, board games, gift items and other products. More than 40,000 buyers attended the show. The estimated sales directly resulting from the New York Show range between $15,000 and $20,000.

This activity falls under the U.S. Government-funded Expanding Economic Opportunities (EEO) program. Implemented by SRI International with a level of funding of $9 million over five years, the program aims to help the Lebanese economy achieve higher competitiveness, production and safety. The program supports projects and activities that help expand income-generating opportunities in Lebanon with a special focus on rural areas.

For the most up-to-date information on U.S. assistance to Lebanon, please read the Lebanon Situation Reports available at http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance/