Despite the pressing economic and political situation witnessed in Lebanon, the Ministry of Economy and Trade (MoET) is working creatively to revitalize the country's economy by insuring Lebanon's presence in the most important International platforms and exhibitions, offering the nation a prestigious exposure space, thus generating new opportunities to accelerate trade exchange between Lebanon and untapped new global markets, which would bring substantial benefits to the local economy.

This came in a statement for His Excellency Minister of Economy & Trade Dr. Alain Hakim, during a press conference held yesterday in presence of His Excellency Giuseppe Morabito, Ambassador of Italy in Lebanon, Mrs. Alia Abbas, General Manager at the MoET and Mrs. Rouba El Kik, the Media Advisor to the Minister of Economy & Trade. The conference was also attended by a high profile crowd of media and official figures to officially launch Lebanon's participation at the Milano Expo 2015.

In this occasion, Dr. Alain Hakim highlighted the importance of the national participation in international fairs despite the current gloomy situation reigning in the country. According to Dr. Hakim this will gain Lebanon more economic immunity and will position it on the global map of productive and prominent nations.

"We are concerned in contributing and being actively present in vital economic forums that can insure an added value to Lebanon, thus breathing life into our economy. Expo Milano 2015 is one of these critical spaces on the international level and we realized that Lebanon's involvement is crucial in this exhibition which adopted this year themes we strongly relate to as Lebanese such as nutrition and sustainability; Lebanon and its citizens were always pioneers in spreading a very particular food culture around the globe, their success stories are numerous in exporting local innovations that enriched the global culture and galvanized the local and international economies. This occasion presents a real opportunity to highlight an important pillar of our own economy and our potential to showcase local creations, in a way that encourages economic interaction between Lebanon and the world, hence creating a new dynamism impacting positively the food industry and unlocking additional global markets for Lebanese producers," he elaborated.

Hakim urged a wider involvement by different economic, social, cultural and civic society components in the EXPO Milano initiative, stressing that a stronger participation will turn a new page in Lebanon's economy and establish an advanced economic renaissance, where contributing to this project will form a quality leap and create a vital momentum unlocking the needed energy to restart the country's economic life.

Dr. Hakim extended his appreciation to all parties who have contributed and will contribute towards ensuring a distinguished Lebanese participation in EXPO Milano 2015, he thanked in particular the media for covering the event and noted that the media's interest in supporting the Lebanese pavilion's activities will strengthen faith in Lebanon and its economy's resilience, as media plays a key role in energizing the national economic effort.

From her side, the General Manager at MoET Mrs. Alia Abbas confirmed that Lebanon is marking a solid participation at the EXPO Milano 2015 on the governmental and private sector's levels, after huge efforts were exerted by the ministry's team under the directives of the Minister Dr. Alain Hakim. Mrs. Abbas explained that the exhibition grants Lebanon an unprecedented exposure to additional international markets. She prompted Lebanese producers and citizens as a whole to keep their faith in the Lebanese produce, stressing that the excellence culture is what allowed Lebanese products to achieve success in global markets. She highlighted the MoET's cooperation with all ministries in Lebanon, as its team was keen on involving every stakeholder in the efforts done and updating them regularly about Lebanon's participation in EXPO Milano 2015.

Mrs. Ruba El Kik, Media Advisor to the Minister of Economy and Trade, gave an integrated presentation on "EXPO Milano 2015" and Lebanon's participation in it. She revealed quick facts to the audience about the exhibition; highlighting that the total area of EXPO Milano hosting 145 national pavilions, reaches around 1.1 million square meters and is expected to attract more than 20 million visitors. El Kik dissected the program of the Lebanese pavilion over a 6-month period, where it will be officially inaugurated by a high ranking official delegation headed by H.E. Minister Alain Hakim. She pointed that the pavilion will focus on various special themes including food, arts, food industry in Lebanon and reviving local handicrafts heritage, Fusion cuisine, as well as different types of Lebanese Arak and wines. The program will be concluded by showcasing Olive and its derivatives. El Kik closed her presentation by saying: "We urge all interested parties and individuals to share with us their thoughts and ideas and bring their products and suggestions forward so our national participation would be comprehensive and complete."

Lebanon's participation at EXPO Milano 2015 will accompanied with a rich schedule of daily and weekly art performances that will help boost visitors' interest in stopping at the national pavilion consequently learn more and purchase local products showcased there. The MoET will be also hosting a series of central monthly cultural and artistic activities that aim to show the world the civilized face of Lebanon. Those activities will be carried on in cooperation with the most renowned arts and culture figures in the country. In addition, "Lebanon Day" will be held in September at the EXPO Milano 2015, where all the exhibition's space will be Lebanon-focused, allowing the country to gain notorious exposure opportunities and further leverage its economic, cultural and trade standing.