The Lebanese Consulate in Jeddah is planning to launch a week of celebrations from April 5 under the banner “Lebanese Week” with different activities starting with a “Made in Lebanon” exhibition.

Lebanese Consul General Ziad Atallah said at the Jeddah Chamber of commerce (JCCI) that over 250 pioneering Lebanese trade marks will be presented for the first time in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the Lebanese Exhibition of Trade & Industry.

He further said that as the relationship between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia is deep, strong and long-lasting this exhibition that includes Lebanese products and industries will open many opportunities for jobs and businesses for the Saudi youth, which will be helpful in strengthening the relationship between the two countries.

He also said that the Saudi leadership and people have endeavoured to support Lebanon in its most turbulent times, so this Lebanese Week would also include one meeting of Lebanese and Saudi businessmen on April 6 at the JCCI.

There will also be a cultural program and an exhibition of art and craft for the Lebanese community in Jeddah under the slogan “Lebanese Hands in Saudi Arabia” at the Consulate General of Lebanon in Jeddah on April 8 which will enhance the friendship between the two countries and take it to new heights.

“The Lebanese Week aims to enhance the economical, commercial and investment relations between the two countries. It also hopes to activate cooperation between the Saudi and Lebanese businessmen and to promote Lebanon at all levels including industries, services, real estate and the Lebanese cuisine as part of enhancing the competitiveness of various Lebanese products in the Saudi Market,” he said.

Sheikh Mazen Batterji, the deputy chairman of Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, also said that this exhibition and the Lebanese Week will bring a number of opportunities for Saudi youth with Lebanese businessmen and its market.

“The Lebanese companies which are participating in the exhibition are the best in the market and will help in creating job opportunities for Saudi youth,” he said.

“This Lebanese commercial event in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will take place as part of the strong historical relations between the two countries in light of the strong economic renaissance which the Kingdom faces due to the investment programs and the mega projects launched by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah.”

He explained that the trade exchange between Lebanon and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reached $783 million and the Saudi investments in Lebanon equal to $16 billion, which were classified by the Saudi Council of Chambers of Commerce into three categories: Real estate, commerce and services. The Saudi investments in the real estate field account for 85 percent including investments in lands and 15 percent is invested in residential properties.

“We are announcing the launch of the Lebanese Week in Jeddah, with the support of the JCCI, which will give a chance for the businessmen and business women to meet Lebanese business experts,” he said.

He further said that Jeddah city was chosen to be the venue of the Lebanese Week this year due to its economical and investment importance and to utilize its position as the financial and business hub of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Mr. Elie Rizk, head of Lebanese-Saudi Economical Relations Commission, remarked that the Lebanese Week in Jeddah came as a result of the agreement signed between Mohammed Ashkar, chairman of the Lebanese Chambers Union, chairman of Lebanon Chamber of Commerce and Mount of Lebanon and Sheikh Saleh Kamel, chairman of Jeddah Chamber of Commerce. The two chambers agreed to activate and support all the commercial and economical activities for the sake of the two countries.