Beirut, 16 February 2026 – Lebanon today launched its first centralized National Trade Help Desk, a platform designed to provide hands-on support to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The initiative is led by the Ministry of Economy and Trade with the support of UNDP and made possible with the generous support of the Government of Canada.
The launch event, held at the Ministry of Economy and Trade, brought together H.E. Dr. Amer Bisat, Minister of Economy and Trade; H.E. Mr. Gregory Galligan, Ambassador of Canada to Lebanon and Syria; UNDP Resident Representative Ms. Blerta Aliko; and representatives of the Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, local partners and private sector stakeholders.
The Help Desk provides a user-friendly booking system for consultations, practical information on how to do business in Lebanon and abroad, and tailored support through the Chambers of Commerce. MSMEs can benefit from one-on-one consultations, targeted training, and interactive workshops to overcome barriers and access new markets.
This hybrid model ensures equal access to services for businesses across Lebanon, whether online via the Ministry’s website or in person through the chambers in Beirut, Tripoli, Bekaa and soon in the South.
In his remarks, H.E. Dr. Amer Bisat, Minister of Economy and Trade, said: “The National Trade Help Desk is not an isolated initiative; it is part of a broader reform trajectory aimed at strengthening Lebanon’s business-enabling environment. By reducing information asymmetry, enhancing regulatory clarity, and advancing digital transformation, we are translating strategic priorities into practical institutional solutions. This is how we support enterprise competitiveness and build a more transparent and resilient economy.”
In his statement, H.E. Mr. Gregory Galligan, Ambassador of Canada to Lebanon and Syria, stated: “Lebanese businesses have never lacked talent or ambition. The real question is whether the system around them keeps pace. By strengthening its trade institutions, Lebanon is sending a clear signal that it is serious about competitiveness in today’s strategic global economy. Canada stands alongside Lebanon in strengthening trade governance and building systems that allow businesses to compete with confidence.”
Underscoring the platform’s impact on entrepreneurs, UNDP Resident Representative Ms. Blerta Aliko said, “The National Trade Help Desk is a vital tool for Lebanese micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, helping them navigate complex trade procedures and access new markets.” “With SMEs forming the backbone of Lebanon’s economy and accounting for over 50% of its GDP—this platform was created to provide hands-on guidance to Lebanese businesses in their growth journey,” she added.
By bringing tailored trade support closer to businesses, the National Trade Help Desk empowers Lebanese MSMEs to overcome structural barriers, expand their reach, and compete more effectively in regional and international markets. The platform responds directly to the needs of entrepreneurs and producers, reinforcing their role as key drivers of economic recovery and local development.
MSMEs interested in accessing the platform can visit helpdesk.economy.gov.lb or contact their local Chamber of Commerce for tailored support.