EMBASSY HIGHLIGHTS
U.S. Government-Funded Local Contest Promotes New Business Opportunities in Rural Lebanon
April 10, 2007
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| Lebanese Chef presents his dish at culinary competition in Saida… |
As part of the U.S. Government’s effort to help revive Lebanon’s rural tourism and expand economic opportunities in rural areas, SRI International supports a series of food events that leverage local agricultural and culinary heritage. The “Zahr El Laymoun” event, or Orange Blossom Day, was held in Saida in partnership with Souk Al Tayeb. The event featured a marketplace for eighteen local small and medium sized enterprises, as well as competitions to award best dishes. Twelve contestants, of whom eight are women, participated in this contest. The event attracted more than four hundred visitors to the area, and increased exposure of local businesses. Most importantly, the event not only created publicity and promoted local traditions related to celebrating orange blossom, but also demonstrated the impact of leveraging local products to create business opportunities in rural areas and boost their economy. This activity falls under the U.S. Government-funded Expanding Economic Opportunities (EEO) program implemented by SRI International with a level of funding of $ 4.1 million. This two-year 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.
