At the invitation of the President of the Lebanese-Chinese Business Association Ali Mahmoud El-Abdallah, a Chinese delegation headed by the Economic and Commercial Advisor at the Chinese Embassy in Lebanon Ms. Li Jing and a large team from the Embassy vis
At the invitation of the President of the Lebanese-Chinese Business Association Ali Mahmoud El-Abdallah, a Chinese delegation headed by the Economic and Commercial Advisor at the Chinese Embassy in Lebanon Ms. Li Jing and a large team from the Embassy visits Sidon and stresses the importance of the city.
Sidon, August 2, 2019
Sidon hosted a major Chinese economic delegation at the invitation of Ali Mahmoud El Abdallah, President of the Lebanese Chinese Business Association (LCBA). The delegation included Li Jing, Economic and Commercial Counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Lebanon, along with a large working team from the embassy.
The delegation’s visit included stops at Amaco Group’s headquarters, Sidon Municipality, the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture of Sidon and the South, and several companies.
During the visit, Li Jing emphasized the economic and commercial importance of Sidon and South Lebanon, considering it a vital hub on the map of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). She noted that Sidon and the South play a key role in strengthening Lebanese-Chinese relations.
Ali Mahmoud El Abdallah stated that the Chinese delegation’s visit to Sidon reaffirms the solid foundations of Lebanese-Chinese relations on two levels:
first, the Chinese Embassy’s great efforts to strengthen commercial, economic, cultural, and social ties;
and second, its interest in supporting business growth and investment opportunities in Sidon and the South, given the region’s importance not only to national economic development but also in fostering global economic relations.
He added:
“The Chinese Embassy, represented by Ambassador Wang Kejian and his distinguished team, is making tremendous and tireless efforts to enhance relations with various Lebanese entities at all levels, and the results of these efforts are evident to all. As businessmen, we highly appreciate the initiatives launched by the embassy. The Lebanese product continues to grow in craftsmanship and quality and competes successfully in international markets, capable of meeting the most demanding global standards.”
El Abdallah also stressed the importance of encouraging Lebanese entrepreneurs to invest in China, saying:
“The Chinese market is promising and in need of Lebanese expertise, particularly in the hotel, restaurant, and services sectors where Lebanon excels. I encourage Lebanese businessmen to take their high-level expertise to the Chinese market, which values this kind of added value that distinguishes Lebanese entrepreneurs.”
It is worth noting that the Belt and Road Initiative, launched by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013 at Nazarbayev University in Kazakhstan, aims to enhance economic and trade relations with countries across Asia, Africa, and Europe, with the Arab region serving as a key axis. Lebanon plays a unique role in this project due to its geographical location, economic system, human resources, and openness to the world.
Visit to Amaco Group
The delegation began its tour at Amaco Group, where they were received by Ali Mahmoud EL Abdallah. The meeting focused on strengthening economic and trade relations and on the unique position of Sidon and the South. The guests were given a presentation on Amaco Group’s activities and its business expansion in Lebanon and the region.
Visit to Sidon Municipality
The delegation, accompanied by Al-Abdallah, then visited Sidon Municipality, where they were received by Mayor Mohamad Al Saudi.
During the visit, Al-Saudi welcomed the delegation, spoke about China’s importance and its history, and expressed his admiration and respect for the Chinese people, who achieved a great renaissance in a short time transforming their country from modest beginnings into a global economic powerhouse.
He highlighted that municipal work in Sidon requires extensive efforts and emphasized the importance of establishing a power generation station in Sidon in cooperation with specialized Chinese companies. Al Saudi also expressed his admiration for China’s tremendous progress over the past four decades in urban development and infrastructure, noting that this growth has placed China among the world’s leading nations.
Visit to the Chamber of Commerce
The delegation, accompanied by El Abdallah, also visited the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture in Sidon and the South, where they were received by Chamber President Mohammad Saleh, Vice President Omar Mahmoud Dandachli, Treasurer Samir Mustafa Kotb, and members of the Executive Board Jamal Jouni, Kassem Khalifeh, and Ibrahim Tairani — along with Ali Sharif, President of the Sidon Merchants Association, Maroun Siqly, Deputy Director General of the Industrial Research Institute (IRI), and several businessmen from the region.
Saleh welcomed the delegation, saying:
“I hope this meeting will be a valuable opportunity to develop friendly and cooperative relations between China, Sidon, and South Lebanon.
Lebanese-Chinese trade relations date back more than 2,200 years BC, when trade caravans loaded with silk, paper, porcelain, and Chinese goods traveled from Xi’an (then Chang’an) to the port city of Tyre in South Lebanon, from where they continued to Europe.
South Lebanon, due to its strategic location, continues to witness active trade between southern Lebanese businessmen and their Chinese counterparts.
Trade relations between China and Lebanon have developed significantly thanks to the 1955 trade and economic agreement between the two countries. Lebanon’s commercial position as a bridge between East and West has made it a center for re-exporting Chinese products, especially to African countries where many Lebanese businessmen are active.”
Saleh encouraged increasing trade exchange for the benefit of both countries and exploring investment and partnership opportunities across agriculture, commerce, industry, and tourism.
Visits to Companies
The delegation also visited Kaddou Ghamloush Company, specialized in importing toys, ornaments, and gifts from China, where they were welcomed by Hassan Ghamloush, his son Ali, and a group of local businessmen. The Chinese guests toured the company’s departments, inspected imported products, and expressed admiration for the company’s progress.
They then visited Hajj Fadel Saleh Trading Establishment, specialized in building materials and sanitary ware in Haret Sidon, where they were welcomed by Hajj Hassan Fadel Saleh, his sons Fadel and Ali, and several community and business figures.
The delegation next visited Jubaili Agrotech, specialized in agricultural and poultry products, where they listened to presentations about the company’s activities, strategy, and expansion both inside and outside Lebanon.
Finally, the delegation visited Mohammad Saleh Company for the Manufacture of Electric Generators, toured the factory, and expressed admiration for the modern technologies used in generator production and assembly. They also viewed newly imported Chinese machinery used for automated iron cutting and sorting.
