Under the patronage of HE Minister of Economy & Trade
Dr. Alain Hakim, International Fairs & Promotions “IFP Group” announced today the launch of the 20th edition of the International Trade Exhibition for Construction Materials & Equipment for Lebanon & the Middle East “Project Lebanon 2015”. The exhibition will be held at “BIEL” Downtown Beirut from 2 to 5 June 2015, with more than 400 local and international exhibiting companies from across 24 countries.
The press conference launching this event took place at the Ministry of Economy & Trade, in the presence of HE Dr. Alain Hakim and IFP Group Chairman and General Manager Mr. Albert Aoun, “UBI France” the French Agency for Export Promotion Beirut Office Managing Director Henri Castores, the Minister-Plenipotentiary – Commercial – Head of the Commercial Office Dr. Mahmoud Mazhar and Counsellor Dr. Mona Wehbe, the Italian Trade Commission office in Lebanon representative Mrs. Aya Hinedi, in addition to representatives from the commercial offices of the Spanish, Brazilian, Turkish and Swiss Embassies in Lebanon and a group of commercial delegations from the participating countries.
Dr. Alain Hakim
The Lebanese Minister of Economy and Trade highlighted the importance of “Project Lebanon”, as more than 400 exhibitors will participate in this year’s edition attracting over 20,000 visitors every year. He added, “Project Lebanon” sheds light over the construction sector in Lebanon and the region which represents a main pillar to the Lebanese economic sector and reaches to 15% of the GDP"
As the Lebanese Government considers the construction sector as a main sector in the country, it has set forward various plans to overcome the current economic situation mainly through “transparency, consumer protection, and adopting security factors prior to profitability.”
Hakim concluded his word extending all support to Project Lebanon, which he sees as the perfect initiative to enhance the construction sector, launch new products, support re-export, in addition to increase investments and trade, and in turn provide rise to the economy.
Albert Aoun
IFP Group Chairman, and General Manager re-assured that “even with the surrounding circumstances, this year’s edition of the exhibition witnesses an increase of 10% over last year in the number of exhibiting countries and in the exhibition area.” He said that the 20th edition will be an exceptional edition in terms of new features at the show.
These include the launching a Live Demonstrations Area where exhibitors will showcase new equipment live in front of visitors. Also featured is an Innovation Area hosting Engineering & Architecture faculties from several Lebanese universities to present innovative projects of students.
The “Engineers Club” provides quick access at the gates to members of the Order of Engineers and Architects and access to the VIP Lounge for networking.
International Participation
The 20th Edition of “Project Lebanon” witnesses an international participation from Germany, Spain, Italy, France, Switzerland, Belgium, Greece, Romania, Malaysia, Slovakia, United Arab Emirates, China, India, Turkey, Iran, Egypt, Kuwait and Lebanon, as well as the return of pavilions from Cyprus and Brazil. This international representation translates the continuing interest in “Project Lebanon” from international companies and suppliers seeking trade and entry to the regions markets.
Castores
“UBI France” the French Agency for Export Promotion Beirut Office Managing Director, Henri Castores, considers Lebanon as an “opportunity resource”, saying, “the French participation in “Project Lebanon 2015” through 25 exhibiting companies reflects their interest in strengthening the relations with the Lebanese and regional companies.” He also highlighted the major role which Lebanon plays in French exports to the region.
Castores added, “The French Pavilion is organized by “Business France” in collaboration with several partners such as the Business College, MEREF, CCI Pacardie and is sponsored by SOMFY, which presents this year several innovative high quality construction models.”
Castores announced the launch of SOCOTEC conference which will be held at the France Pavilion covering dangers of earthquakes, and a second conference organized by VERITAS.
Hinedi
In her turn, Aya Hinedi from the Italian Trade Commission said, “Italy participates in Project Lebanon for the ninth consecutive year through an elite of Italian companies comprising of 12 exhibitors and 26 representatives over an area of 250 square meters. This participation is larger than last year’s which interprets the achievements gained by Italian exhibitors from previous years.
“I would like to highlight here that the Italy is the largest European exporter to Lebanon, and is the second internationally following China”. She concluded.
Wehbe
The Egyptian Embassy Commercial Counsellor in Lebanon Dr. Mona Wehbe explained how Egypt is currently undergoing an economic plan to enhance its national economy after the Economic Forum held at Sharm Al Sheikh. Egypt considers exhibitions such as Project Lebanon as a major export promotion strategy during the next era.
“Egyptian companies come to Lebanon looking not only for the Lebanese market, but also with a clear vision which aims at cooperating with Lebanese companies and businessmen promote business in both countries” She added.
Energy Lebanon
Project Lebanon is held concurrently with Energy Lebanon 2015, the 5th International Trade Exhibition for Power, Electrical Engineering, Alternative Energy, Lighting, and HVAC, and Ecorient 2015 the 4th International Conference for Environmental Technologies, Sustainability and Clean Energy.
Through holding these two events concurrently, engineers, contractors, projects’ managers and all other stakeholders will have the opportunity to source new products, equipment and technology, from Ceramics to stone, wood and wooden products, metals products, elevators, security products, Plastics and piping products, and construction material on one hand, to lighting, electro-mechanic products and equipment, HVAC, generators, electricity technology, in addition to alternative energy technology and solutions, water, environmental and green technologies.
EcOrient
HE Mohammad Al Machnouk, Minister of the Environment, will inaugurate the 4th edition of “EcOrient” on the 3rd June 2015. The conference gathers an elite of experts from major environmental organizations, leading alternative and clean energy experts, as well as representatives of environmental research and education institutes.
EcOrient conference receives support from several leading local and regional institutions, mainly the Lebanese Ministry of Environment, Order of Engineers and Architects in Beirut, the Lebanese Center for Energy Conservation, the Lebanese Association for Solar Energy, the Lebanese Council for Green Buildings, ASHRAE, and the Arab Sustainability Association.
The event’s organizer, IFP Group, estimates more than 20 thousand visitors to attend this year, joining engineers, project managers, investors, traders, in addition to the presence of diplomats and decision-makers. Concluding the press conference, Aoun invited everyone to visit Project Lebanon and its concurrent conferences and activities, looking forward to a successful event.
ifpinfo
20 May
