To commemorate the successful conclusion of the ‘Export Readiness Enhancement Program,’ Berytech, UNIDO orchestrated a momentous closing event at Berytech Mar Roukoz for the Lebanon Export Academy beneficiaries. The event, a culmination of dedication and achievement, featured insightful speeches, expert panels, certificate distribution, and a transformative business linkages session.
A Journey of Empowerment and Collaboration
Reflecting on the journey of empowerment, collaboration, and growth, Therese Maalouf, Senior Cluster Coordinator at QOOT Cluster, and master of ceremony, expressed immense pride in the remarkable accomplishments of the program beneficiaries. The program, equipping local agrifood producers with 36 collective training hours and over 130 one-on-one coaching hours, enabled each company to craft its export readiness plan. Mrs. Maalouf emphasized that this moment not only signifies the end of a program but also heralds the beginning of a new chapter, where Lebanese agrifood producers are armed with the knowledge and tools to navigate international trade successfully.
Insightful Perspectives: Expert Panels on Export Readiness
Two engaging expert panels captivated the audience, addressing areas crucial to Lebanese agrifood producers poised to enter local and global markets. Panel 1 featured industry leaders such as Ms. Rima Azar, General Manager at Sea Sky Services UK Ltd.; Dr. Marc Beyrouthy, Owner of Made by Nature; and Mr. Antoine Baz, Innovation Lead at INDEVCO PAPER CONTAINERS. Panel 2 included experts like Ms. Hill Skaff, Food and Business Development Consultant; Ms. Joelle Gharib, Food Safety Manager at Rentokil Boecker; and Mr. Nicolas Gholam, Founder of Al Mawsam.
Direct Insights: Business Linkages Event
The event culminated in a Business linkages activity, providing graduating beneficiaries with the opportunity to engage in one-on-one discussions with the experts, facilitating direct business and collaboration insights. Rouba El Kharrat, Expert on Food SMEs Upgrading at UNIDO Lebanon, highlighted the significance of such Business Linkages activities in connecting SMEs with key players in the value chain and the wider Food system. Herein, it is worth mentioning that Business Linkages are core activities within the Networking and Matchmaking strategic pillar of the QOOT cluster, the implementing body of this event.
Strategic Partnership: ‘Export Readiness Enhancement Program’ in Collaboration with UNIDO
The ‘Export Readiness Enhancement Program’ stands as a vital component of the ‘TraQ Program,’ part of the broader regional initiative ‘Enhancing Accreditation Value Chain in the Arab Region.’ Supported by the Kingdom of Sweden through the Swedish International Development Cooperation (SIDA), the program, in collaboration with Berytech, QOOT Cluster, and Lebanon Export Academy, included capacity-building workshops, one-on-one coaching sessions, B2B matchmaking events, culminating in a celebratory market linkages event. As Lebanon’s agrifood producers step into a new era, the lasting impact of their endeavors is eagerly anticipated, contributing to the prosperity and reputation of Lebanon in the global marketplace.
