President Joseph Aoun inaugurated the Lebanese Industry Expo organised by the Association of Lebanese Industrialists (ALI) in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry at Seaside Arena – Beirut. The event gathers 190 exhibitors across a 10,000 m² space and will run until November 1, opening daily from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, President Aoun toured the exhibition halls and explored a wide range of Lebanese products on display.

In his address, ALI President Salim El Zeenni emphasized that Lebanese industry remains “a cornerstone for economic recovery and social stability,” highlighting that Lebanese products meet the highest international quality standards and are exported to over 168 markets worldwide.

El Zeenni called for the adoption of the National Industrial Strategy, developed jointly by the Ministry of Industry and ALI, to strengthen the role of industry in Lebanon’s economic framework, boost production, and create more job opportunities in a sector that currently employs over 220,000 workers.

Minister of Industry Joe Issa El Khoury announced that the Council of Ministers has officially designated the first Thursday of every November as ‘Lebanese Industry Day.’ He also launched the National Industrial Strategy, which aims to transform Lebanon into a competitive, innovative, and sustainable industrial hub.

El Khoury noted that the industrial sector comprises more than 7,000 enterprises, contributes over 20% of Lebanon’s GDP, and generates more than $2.5 billion in annual exports, underscoring that “the time has come to move from resilience to growth.”

In his keynote speech, President Aoun saluted the resilience of Lebanese industrialists amid crises, describing industry as “part of Lebanon’s identity and global image.” He called for a national effort to support domestic production, stating: “Want to bring Lebanon back? Start manufacturing in Lebanon… buy Lebanese… export Lebanese products. Let’s stop exporting our youth and importing our consumption.”

The ceremony concluded with Minister El Khoury and ALI President Salim El Zeenni presenting a commemorative shield to President Aoun in recognition of his commitment to supporting Lebanon’s industrial sector and advancing economic revival.