A business meeting in the presence of Australia’s Ambassador to Lebanon, Lex Bartlem, took place with H.E. President Michel Sleiman at the Presidential palace to follow up on previous discussions held between the chamber and His Excellency. President Sleiman expressed his deep appreciation and support for the Chamber’s continuous drive to strengthen trade relations between Australia and Lebanon.
The meeting at the Beirut Chamber of Commerce focused on several trade and economic matters primarily investments both ways and the existing opportunities. Also the export of Australian products to Lebanon and the region and the import of Lebanese products and the role the Chamber plays in promoting these products.
The meeting at the Tripoli Chamber of commerce also covered business opportunities between the two countries and how best to strengthen the existing trade ties, taking into consideration the large presence in Australia of Lebanese from the Northern parts of Lebanon.
The meeting at the Chamber of Commerce in Saida covered quite a number of topics, export opportunities, investments, food and water quality control and the export of fresh produce from Lebanon to Australia.
The meeting at the Chamber of Commerce in Zahle attended by Lex Bartlem Australian Ambassador to Lebanon and Lebanese Agricultural officials focused primarily on the export of Lebanese fresh produce to Australia. The meeting was followed by an opening of the photo exhibition of Australian soldiers in Lebanon during the Second World War.
A seminar on water treatment in the presence of Ambassador Bartlem was held at the Press Club primarily to talk about the way we treat and supervise our drinking water resources in Australia.
A business meeting took place with Lebanon’s Central Bank Governor Riad Salame who gave an accurate and positive rundown about the current financial and banking situation in Lebanon.
A large meeting took place with the Builders Association at the Biel and the emphasis was on investments both in Australia and Lebanon. It was attended by leaders in the Construction Industry. the Chamber promoted Australia as a safe haven for investments.
A seminar and press conference was organized by the Dekwaneh Municipality at the Habtoor/Hilton Hotel. It was attended by a large gathering of prominent businessmen and women. The emphasis was on investment and trade both ways. Enormous interest was shown by those who attended the conference.
The Arab bank held a function in honor of the Chamber at the Four Seasons Hotel which was attended by a large number of prominent business leaders from Lebanon and the Arab world.
Bank Med organized a business dinner for the Chamber and again the concentration was on strengthening bank ties between Australia and Lebanon.
Serious discussions took place with NDU University regarding an Australian institute of training to be set up at the NDU Campus. Talks are continuing in that regard.
As a result of this Mission, follow up committees are now in place between all the Chambers in Lebanon, the Ministry of Agriculture and the ALCC, to pursue all the business matters discussed during the visit.
Soon there will be delegations arriving from Lebanon to pursue business and investment opportunities in Australia.
Our sincere thanks to Lex Bartlem OAM, Australia’s Ambassador to Lebanon, for working so closely with the Chamber throughout the visit.
Michael Rizk
Head of Trade Relations – Australian and Lebanon