ICE-Agency organizes with the support and collaboration of the Italian Embassy the participation of Italian companies at the international exhibition Project Lebanon, the main event of the construction and infrastructure chain, held in Beirut from 26 to 29 June.
Project Lebanon is long-established as the key appointment for companies in the infrastructure and construction sector to enter the Lebanese market and from here to other countries in the area. The Italian participation reaches its twelfth consecutive presence this year.
This year the Italian Pavilion welcomes 16 new companies not yet present on the market, represented by 35 delegates on an area of over 200 square meters. The Italian participation confirms the strong interest in the Lebanese market and the opportunities that emerge from the development of the Capital Investment Plan, the powerful plan of investments in large infrastructures implemented by the Lebanese Government for a value of over 20 million dollars.
“The Prime Minister Hariri visited our stand and we talked about opportunities for cooperation between Italy and Lebanon in the field of infrastructure” Said Ms. Francesca Zadro – Trade Commissioner.
The companies of the Italian Pavilion cover a wide range of products and services: from flooring to doors and bathroom solutions; from marble to glass and mosaic glass; from scaffolding to pipes and water treatment.
An “ITALIA Business Center” has been set up inside the Italian Pavilion to provide logistical support to Italian exhibitors and assistance to Lebanese visitors. Part of the area is organized to host business meetings.
The communication campaign in support of the Italian presence includes the direct marketing action for more than 2,000 Lebanese companies in the construction and infrastructure sector and a promotion of the Italian Pavilion with the insertion of advertising banners in the country’s main communication sites.
In 2017, Italy maintained its position as the second largest supplier to Lebanon and the largest European countries, with US$ 1.7 billion and a market share of 8 %. Compared to 2016, imports from Italy increased by 26%.
For certain products in the construction and infrastructure sector, Italy has the position of first supplier. This is the case for wood flooring and flooring panels with a market share of almost 30%; marking blocks with a market share of 44%; plastic and steel pipes with a market share of 28%; concrete building materials with a market share of 25%.
Total Lebanese imports of building materials amount to 468 million dollars, of which 11% comes from Italy for a total of 53 million dollars.