Dr. Alain Hakim, Minister of Economy and Trade, participated in the "MedDiet" Summit held at the European Union's meeting in Expo Milano on September 19th, 2015. The summit joined several experts from the European Union who discussed the theme of Mediterranean food, returning to its origins, as well as the preservation of traditional eating and the exchange of experiences between countries.
Minister Hakim also signed a declaration of maintaining the Mediterranean diet, seeded according to UNESCO, the United Nations' Organization for Education, Science and Culture.
Commenting on the occasion, Minister Hakim said, "It gives me great pleasure to be here today to discuss the importance of further promoting the Mediterranean diet, a diet that has been globally recognized as one of the healthiest in the world. This lifestyle that characterizes the Middle East encompasses a large variety of traditional foods that the Mediterranean countries are famous for and that constitute a vehicle for the improvement of the quality of life and impact the economic and social behavior of citizens."
Minister Hakim further explained the Mediterranean diet has been renowned for being able to clearly portray the stability and solidarity in the Mediterranean region whereby all countries stress on the importance of having a real way of life with healthy consumption patterns, adding, "We strongly believe the benefits of the Mediterranean diet should be relayed to consumers and to producers. Consumers should be well aware that a healthy diet allows for the prevention of various diseases whereas producers should be able to promote the MedDiet brand in all their productions. It is through this consumer-producer cooperation that the traditional food is safeguarded and the Mediterranean diet becomes an integral part of each person's lifestyle. The Mediterranean Diet is part of the Lebanese culture and is considered the core of the country's economic significance."
Minister Hakim also explained Expo Milano's theme, "Feeding the Planet: Energy for Life," has allowed Lebanon to show, through all the activities that have taken and are still taking place in the Lebanese pavilion, that its cuisine and the associated culinary habits fall within the noble characteristics of the Mediterranean diet... a healthy socially responsible and sustainable life style."
The Lebanese pavilion, situated in the Bio-Mediterranean cluster at Expo Milano, has been able to enlighten visitors on Lebanon's historical, artistic, literary, and social richness. "We stress on the value of our cultural heritage and on the importance of good nutrition which in turn allow for the improvement on the social and economic fronts," added Minister Hakim. "The MedDiet serves as a guide to the protection of this ultimate aim of human progress and we will do all what it takes to preserve this goal. With this diet gaining popularity, our country is creating opportunities to open up to new markets and exporting products that fall within the context of the MedDiet."
In concluding his speech, Minister Hakim expressed his appreciation for his presence, and ensured his excitement for the recommendations and results of this summit.
Minister Hakim's tour around the Lebanese Pavilion witnessed heavy demand from foreigners, Lebanese locals and expatriates to taste the food and live the real Lebanese traditions, art and heritage. Minister Hakim also toured around the Lebanese Pavilion's kitchen, ensuring the smooth flow of activities and commending the efforts being made for the success of the Lebanese Pavilion at Expo Milano.
Minister Hakim will visit the Lebanese Pavilion on September 24 for the Lebanese Wine Day and on September 26 for the National Day of Lebanon. Both will be attended by delegations from Lebanon and several other countries, and will mark a dance performance by Lebanon's famous Caracalla.
