Lebanon is among the target markets for Spanish exporters and contractors in the Middle East Region. Trade relations between Lebanon and Spain have the experienced significant growth in the past decade. Indeed, the trade in Hispanic Region Lebanese goods was multiplied by 3, since 2005, and the number of Spanish companies that export to Lebanon surpassed 2.500.
The following is an interview about the Spanish participation in Project Lebanon 2015.
For how many years has Spain been participating at Project Lebanon?
Spain has been participating in Project Lebanon since many years back. But as AFME, this is our second participation in the show. AFME is the Spanish agent for IFP Group exhibitions since last year. We have many registered companies for this year’s edition, and some others are still deciding about their participation. Last year we had only 3 companies, and one of them is repeating this year.
What are the prevalent and most popular products you have under your pavilion? Are you going to market any innovative products this year?
This year we have: tiles, concrete, block making machines and electrical equipment such as safety material, emergency lighting or entry phones.
Who is your target audience, and did you find that the pavilion is an efficient way of marketing your companies and products, and finding leads or closing deals?
Our target audience is mainly local distributors and importers, and to a lesser extent, final clients. Something also really valued by our companies is the number of international visitors to the exhibition. The more regional a show is, the higher interest it generates between our companies. The pavilion organization is an efficient way of participating since it reduces the cost of services related to the exhibition (organization, decoration, transportation, etc.), and also gives the companies more visibility during the fair.
What can you say about Spain’s current trade relation with Lebanon?
The Spanish exports to Lebanon reached 384 million Euros during 2014, while imports were about 28 million Euros. Regarding the electrical sector, Spanish exports have increased over 50% in the period 2008-2013. The recession has severely affected the Spanish companies, mainly in the local market. Most of the companies have shifted their sales to foreign markets, including Lebanon. Total exports to Lebanon have increased a 55% from 2005.
ifpinfo
12 May
