Beiruting News

In presence of the official Lebanese delegation headed by the Minister of Economy and Trade, Dr. Alain Hakim, Lebanon celebrated its National Day at Expo Milano on September 26, 2015. The day was initiated by raising the Lebanese flag at the conference center of Expo Milano, in the presence of Mr. Bruno Pasquino, Commissioner of Expo Milano 2015, who delivered a speech which discussed the current situation in Lebanon and the load borne due the Syrian displacement.

Mr. Pascuino further noted Lebanon is the most country to bear this brunt, and commended Lebanon's rich human resources and great potential while also stressing on the importance of Lebanon's participation at Expo Milano 2015 which gave this expo great momentum.

In this regard, Minister Hakim delivered an opening speech which stated: "Lebanon is the successive home of many civilizations whose outcomes are still spectators to its existence. It is a republic that enjoys prosperity, free economy and the title of 'the most civilized and democratic country in the region'. What distinguishes Lebanon, in spite of its young geographical age, is the success persisted by Lebanese citizens and businessmen around the world, adding that, "Lebanese expatriates and their descendants are amongst the most successful business leaders, academics and public servants no matter where they settle. They are our significant asset and we highly depend on them to portray Lebanon's true image."

In his speech, Minister Hakim highlighted the importance of Lebanon's participation at Expo Milano for several reasons, explaining, "The Bio Mediterranean cluster, one of the clusters of Expo Milano this year and of which Lebanon is taking part in, aims to highlight the treasure of the Bio Mediterranean diversity and allows participants to discover the cultural heritage and lifestyle that unites people of the Mediterranean Sea."

"Lebanon's relationship with Italy is not new. Our countries are linked by an ancient friendship which finds its roots in our common Mediterranean heritage, our antique civilizations and thousands of years of common history, intense trade relations and deep cultural and human exchanges, which makes our participation in this expo have a different taste," Minister Hakim continued. "Up until 2010, Lebanon's economy was relatively stable and witnessed a strong performance in various sectors, particularly in the construction, tourism and banking sectors. Economic growth rates ranged between 7.5% and 9% between 2007 and 2010."

Following the separation of the domestic political reasons that impacted negatively on the Lebanese economy, Minister Hakim further explained Lebanon's economy and society withstood the hosting of an unprecedented number of displaced Syrians, whose number exceed 1.5 Million people, accounting for more than 40% of the Lebanese population. "This unexpected situation has resulted in a weakening in the social, economic and security situation," he added.

Thanking all the countries who helped Lebanon during the crisis, Minister Hakim commented, "Despite all this, the Lebanese economy has proven nothing but resilience, and we owe this to the strong willpower of the Lebanese. We are committed to a stable, sovereign, independent and prosperous Lebanon and are always working to meet Lebanon's immense potential," adding that, "From this standpoint, we invite you to invest in Lebanon and benefit from what this country has to offer and from the opportunities that have not yet been explored."

Minister Hakim pledged the Ministry of Economy and Commerce (MoET) to provide all the support to investors through their actions in Lebanon, and stressed on the ministry's continuous duty to increase export in order to attract investments and open up to new markets.

Minister Hakim then began his tour around the participating Pavilions at the expo, where he visited the Zero Pavilion which features various artistic creations and inventions, followed by visits to the Cecilian, Italian, French, Kazakh, Emirati, Cuban, Ivorian and Iranian Pavilions. After his visits, Minister Hakim deliberated these pavilions embody the initiatives for strong cooperative relations between Lebanon and the respective countries, particularly with Italy and the UAE which Lebanon has strong economic ties with.

During his visit to the Iranian Pavilion, Minister Hakim expressed his sincere condolences to the Iranian martyrs who fell during the Saudi Hajj stampede, and stressed the necessity of activating the Lebanese-Iranian relations in light of Iran's openness to the world market, announcing his upcoming visit to Iran in the coming months.

The Italian Pavilion held a lunch honoring Minister Hakim and the official Lebanese delegation, in presence of Mr. Bruno Pasquino, Commissioner of Expo Milano 2015, and Mr. Fabrizio Grillo, President of the Italian Pavilion.

Lebanon's National Day captured wide attention from the media, whereby after the opening speech, Italian 'RAI' TV channel held an exclusive interview with Minister Hakim, which stressed the fact that Lebanon's participation at Expo Milano indicates economic resilience of Lebanon.

The national day at Expo Milano concluded with a cultural evening of artistic and creative excellence which showed the depth of the Lebanese creativity, revived by the Lebanese dance company, Caracalla. The group performed a beautiful theatrical performance titled "One Thousand and One Nights," and was attended by Minister Hakim, Mr. George Khoury, Lebanon's Vatican Ambassador, Mr. Walid Haidar, Consulate General of Milan, Mrs. Alia Abbas, General Manager at the MoET, Mr. Abdel-Halim Caracalla, Founder and Artistic Director of Caracalla, Mr. Bruno Pasquino, Commissioner of Expo Milano 2015, a number of commissioners of Arab and foreign Pavilions, representatives from the Municipality of Milan, the official Lebanese delegation at Expo Milano and a large crowd of Lebanese residents and expatriates in Italy.

The evening began with a speech by Minister Hakim, who stated, "I am delighted to celebrate Lebanon's National Day at Expo Milano, in the presence of the Lebanese citizens, expatriates and particularly our friends from Italy and the world. When people ask me to define Lebanon, I respond by citing the words of the late Mr. Wadih El Safi, 'Loubnan Ya Otaat Sama.' Lebanon enlarges the heart when its people meet, and increases hope when the Lebanese overcome all challenges and together say yes."

Minister Hakim added, "Lebanon celebrates its history, civilization, culture, people, relations and persistence. Lebanon defies all tragedies for travelling on a world's expanse of hope. Tonight, Lebanon will address all individuals in a language that is understood by everyone, without translation and hindrance. Lebanon will address the spirit of art and beauty in order to deliver a supreme message, a message of openness, love and communication," adding, "With Caracalla, we will together travel to the most beautiful picture of our beloved country."

In his final word, Minister Hakim expressed his remorse and regret at the absence of a Lebanese President to crown Lebanon's National Day at the expo, and wished to elect a President for the Republic of Lebanon as soon as possible.

The evening which included theatrical performances from Lebanon and the world, crowned the day for the Lebanese Pavilion which was organized by 'ICE International Events,' ensuring Lebanon's participation at Expo Milano is proof that Lebanon is on a world stage. This participation marks an importance in terms of culture, politics and economics, and forms hope for Lebanon in the current situation.

Lebanon's participation at Expo Milano continues until the end of October whereby daily activities will be held for the closing of Expo Milano 2015.