Business Seminar :“Exploring Business Opportunities, Diversifying Business”
Organized by Embassy of India in association with  CCIAS (Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture of Sidon and South Lebanon)

As part of ongoing activities related to Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav and as part of continuing efforts to enhance India’s exports to Lebanon, the Embassy of India organized a Business Seminar in Saida on the theme, “Exploring Business Opportunities, Diversifying Business” in association with  CCIAS (Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture of Sidon and South Lebanon). Saida, also called as Sidon, is one of the largest city in Lebanon. The CCIAS is a very prominent chamber and covers entire spectrum of economic activities and has a very large catchment area covering the entire country south of Beirut. List of Attendees is attached. As part of ongoing activities related to Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav and as part of continuing efforts to enhance India-Lebanon bilateral trade and economic cooperation the Embassy of India organized a Business Seminar in Saida on the theme, “Exploring Business Opportunities, Diversifying Business” in association with  CCIAS (Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture of Sidon and South Lebanon).
Ambassador Dr Suhel Ajaz Khan , in his presentation, highlighted India’s incredible growth story, strong fundamentals of Indian economy and measures taken by the Government of India under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi during past 7 years to make India a favorite destination for investments and doing business. He also spoke how India’s has risen in the ranking for Doing Business over past few years and spoke about India’s march towards a 5 trillion $ economy. He also spoke about post-covid economic recovery in India and informed that India has left behind the Covid-19 related slump in growth  and is again on the path top become one of the fastest growing economies in the world, highlighting various measures taken by the Govt during the Pandemic to give boost to economic activity in the country. Ambassador also presented several data pertaining  to manufacturing growth in various sectors, foreign investments in India, surging exports from India and an all time high forex reserve in India
On the trade front, Ambassador elaborated upon Hon’ble PM’s vision of achieving 400 billion USD of exports in this FY. On the bilateral trade potential, he elaborated on potential of increasing Indian exports to Lebanon across various sectors, specially Gems and Jewelry, Pharma, Food and Engineering Goods sectors stressing that given the current economic crisis in Lebanon increasing imports from India would be beneficial for Lebanon because Indian products are more cost-effective it will bring down overall import bill of Lebanon. Ambassador  also cited recent progress made by a Lebanese company, ANB holding, to set up an assembly-line for Bajaj 2 and 3 wheeler in Lebanon as an example of growing industrial cooperation between India and Lebanon
Mr. Mohammed Saleh, President of the Chamber echoed Ambassador’s views that the potential of bilateral trade between India and Lebanon remains untapped. He also cited his personal experience of doing business with India and encouraged other businessmen to look at India as a source for their import needs. He also said that the Chamber is ready to mount a delegation to India early next year and will also be happy to receive  delegation from India. Other attendees shared their experiences of  doing business with India and also asked various questions on doing business with India, which we responded to. Overall the event was very well attended and there was good interaction with all the attendees who agreed about expanding trade basket with India. The Seminar was followed by the  business lunch
Mr. P Pattabhi, Second Secretary ( Commercial) and Ms Rana Zeitouni, Commercial Section of the Embassy also attended the Seminar