U.S. Officials Promote Business Ties with Lebanon at Made in America

October 9, 2008

Opening the fourth annual Made in America 2008 fair

U.S. Commerce Assistant Secretary and Director General of the Commercial Service Hernandez and U.S. Ambassador Sison today opened the fourth annual Made in America 2008 fair at the BIEL Center.  Made in America showcases more than 260 U.S. companies doing business in Lebanon and brings the latest in technology and services to the Lebanon’s fast-growing market.
 
“U.S. exports to Lebanon have almost doubled in the first half of 2008 from last year,” Hernandez said.  “Two-way trade growth between our markets creates more jobs in the United States and helps Lebanon build a successful and prosperous future.”

Participation in Made in America has tripled since the event was first held in 2003, highlighting the strength of U.S.-Lebanon commercial ties.  From 2003-2007, two-way trade between the United States and Lebanon increased 130 percent, reaching $930 million last year.  This year U.S. exports to Lebanon are on a record-breaking pace, totaling $668 million in the first half of 2008. 

The U.S. Commerce Department’s International Trade Administration (ITA) works to enhance trade between the United States and Lebanon, helping both economies increase their global competitiveness.  ITA’s Commercial Service counsels U.S. companies on global market opportunities and business practices, helps local exporters identify U.S. business partners and organizes trade fairs like Made in America to promote U.S. products and services worldwide.

During the event, Hernandez presented the U.S. Commerce Department’s Certificate of Appreciation for Achievement in Trade to three Lebanese businessmen, two U.S. Commercial Service Officers and one local business group:  Mahmoud Joueidi, Beirut International Exhibition and Leisure Center; Tony Salame, Tony Salame Group; Farid Homsi, Impex Trading; Commercial Service Officers Naaman Tayyar and Maya Barhouche; and the American Lebanese Chamber of Commerce.  The award recognizes organizations or individuals who have partnered with the Commercial Service and U.S. Embassy to promote two-way trade between the United States and Lebanon. 
                                                                        
For more information on Made in America please visit http://www.BuyUSA.gov.