October 17, 2026
The Minister of Industry, Joe Issa Al-Khoury, opened the Lebanese pavilion at the “SIAL 2026” international food and beverage exhibition in the French capital, Paris, which is considered one of the most prominent international exhibitions specialized in the food industries sector.
The opening ceremony was attended by the Lebanese Ambassador to France, Rabie Al-Shaer, the Director-General of the Ministry of Industry, Adel Al-Shabab, the Director-General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Louis Lahoud, the Director-General of Economy and Trade, Muhammad Abu Haidar, and the President of the Syndicate of Lebanese Food Industries Owners, Ramez Bou Nader, along with a crowd of Lebanese industrialists seeking to enhance the presence of national products in global markets and highlight their quality and competitive ability. The pavilion was organized in coordination between the union and Hospitality Services.
During the opening, Minister Issa Al-Khoury expressed his pride in the participation of Lebanese industrialists, calling on them to be proud of their achievements that carry the name of Lebanon high and present its bright image, despite crises, wars and the high cost of production. He described workers in the agricultural and food industries sector as “true resistors” for continuing production and export and adhering to their institutions.
He pointed out that Lebanese cuisine is now at the forefront of Mediterranean cuisine thanks to the efforts of food industry exporters who have brought Lebanese flavors to every home in Europe, the United States, the Gulf and other countries of the world. He explained that Lebanon, despite its inability to compete with major countries in terms of quantities, succeeds with distinction in competing through quality and quality.
Issa Al-Khoury stressed that export constitutes a fundamental pillar of the national economy due to its role in introducing foreign currencies, creating job opportunities, and reducing the migration of human resources, stressing that the role of the state lies in supporting the private sector and providing appropriate frameworks and conditions for its growth.
For his part, the head of the Food Industries Owners Syndicate, Ramez Bou Nader, confirmed that participation in the exhibition once again proves the determination of Lebanese industrialists to succeed, noting that the pavilion includes companies representing the sectors of food industries, wines, spirits, and others.
Bou Nader explained that the Syndicate has been organizing the Lebanese pavilion at the most important international exhibitions such as “Golffood” in Dubai and “Anuga” in Germany, as well as “SIAL” in Paris, for 30 years. He pointed out that the food industries sector is at the forefront of exporting sectors, accounting for about 25% of the volume of Lebanese exports.
Bou Nader concluded by stressing the need to move forward in developing factories and modernizing expertise to face the intense global competitiveness, and to provide the best products that reflect Lebanese taste and skill to the world.
