A delegation of senior Italian business leaders visited the Association of Lebanese Industrialists today, where they were welcomed by the Association’s President, Salim Al-Zeenni, and members of the Board of Directors.

The delegation included Matteo Ridanti, President of the Mediterranean Forum of Local Governments and Business Sector, and Massimiliano Rocco, Vice President of Confindustria Abruzzo, along with a number of Italian industrialists. Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation and exchanging expertise between Lebanese and Italian manufacturers, expanding investment opportunities in the industrial sector, and increasing Lebanese industrial exports to Italy.

Al-Zeenni

In his welcoming remarks, Al-Zeenni stated: “We want this meeting to lead to genuine partnerships, especially as Lebanon has several industrial sectors with strong potential for enhanced cooperation. These sectors have proven their resilience in the face of various challenges.”

He emphasized that Lebanon does not aim to compete in low-cost manufacturing. “Lebanon stands out for its skilled and qualified human resources capable of keeping pace with technological advancements. This forms a solid foundation for high-quality partnerships, particularly in food industries, technology, robotics, mechatronics, and other sectors that currently export to nearly 100 countries.”

Al-Zeenni added that Lebanon aspires to serve as a gateway to regional markets—particularly the Middle East, North Africa, and Arab markets—leveraging its competitive advantages and extensive networks to help Italian companies access new markets. He also highlighted the pivotal role played by the Lebanese diaspora in this context.

He expressed hope for intensified exchanges of visits and delegations, with a focus on more specialized sectors to deepen cooperation. He also invited the Italian delegation to participate in the annual Lebanese Industrial Exhibition held at the end of October, which brings together Lebanese and international industrialists.

Ridanti

For his part, Ridanti stressed that promising opportunities exist to establish effective cooperation with Lebanese industrialists. He noted that Lebanon possesses significant strengths that position it as a strategic gateway for Italy to the wider region.

Accordingly, he underlined the importance of initiating concrete steps to develop this partnership. He also pointed to the broad scope for collaboration across multiple sectors, particularly in technology and innovation. Additionally, he emphasized the need to further develop infrastructure in Lebanon as a key pillar for building long-term strategic partnerships.

Rocco

Massimiliano Rocco highlighted the potential to support the advancement of Lebanese industries and build effective communication bridges by hosting Lebanese industrialists and students in Italy to explore advanced industrial experiences and exchange expertise.

He noted that Italy offers an operational ecosystem conducive to rapid growth through the establishment of a sustainable cooperation channel between Lebanon and Italy, particularly at the university level. This, he said, would strengthen partnerships and open the door to exchange programs, research initiatives, and joint projects benefiting both the industrial and academic sectors in the two countries.

Dialogue

The meeting concluded with an extensive discussion among industrialists from both countries. There was consensus on the importance of strengthening cooperation and developing bilateral partnerships. It was agreed to organize specialized meetings bringing together Lebanese and Italian industrialists by production sectors, prioritizing those with the greatest potential for fruitful partnerships.