São Paulo – The Brazilian embassy in Beirut is organizing the participation of Brazil-based companies in two trade shows in Lebanon: the building industry show Project Lebanon, from May 31 to June 03; and Horeca, for the food services and hotel industries, scheduled for April 05 to 08.
This will be Brazil’s fifth time at Project Lebanon and the embassy will have an area of at least 84 square meters. According to Felipe Goulart, of the embassy’s Commercial Promotion section, there is room for advertising several types of construction-related products.
“Anything relating to building material is welcome: wood, bathroom fixtures, tiles, ceramics, electrical supplies, building material manufacturing machinery, etc.” According to the diplomat, there’s a predilection for finishing materials with unique design. “The added value that design brings is thoroughly appreciated by the Lebanese,” he said.
Another opportunity Goulart points out is in residue treatment. Since last year, the Arab country is struggling with garbage collection on its streets. Thus, companies active in waste processing, residue treatment and other related activities will have a space at the event to deliver a lecture and show a promotional video of their work.
During the fair, the Syrian Business Forum will also take place. The event is intended to build closer ties between Syrian businessmen and the participants in Project Lebanon. “It’s worth being there to see the opportunities that will emerge in Syria’s post-conflict scenario. The demand for building material will be enormous,” Goulart said.
He also stressed that Lebanese entrepreneurs are active in several countries throughout the Middle East and West Africa, such as Nigeria, Ghana, the Ivory Coast and Senegal. “Interaction with Lebanese entrepreneurs implies opportunities not only in Lebanon, but also in markets that can be reached via the Diaspora,” the diplomat explained.
Horeca
Focusing on food services and hospitality, the Horeca fair also offers good business opportunities to Brazilian companies. Items such as chocolate, juices, non-alcoholic beverages, cutlery, plates and other items for restaurants and hotels are sought-after in Lebanon.
According to Goulart, Brazil has gone to the fair twice with institutional stands, but this time the plan is to take Brazilian companies. This year, the Brazilian stand will span at least 48 square meters. Here, the diplomat also claimed higher-end products are favored. “The Lebanese have sophisticated tastes because of their European influence,” he said.
He noted that, as it is in Project Lebanon, participating in Horeca can pave the way to other markets besides Lebanon.
For additional information on the fairs in Lebanon go to www.projectlebanon.com and www.horecashow.com. For information on how to participate, get in touch with the Brazilian embassy in Beirut at felipe.goulart@itamaraty.gov.br and najib.wardini@itamaraty.gov.br.
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
