Ukraine exports goods to Lebanon worth over $400 million, although the potential is $1 billion. Promising areas include the supply of cattle, meat, and dairy products, reported Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food Vitaliy Koval following his visit to Lebanon and meetings with local businesses.
The Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food noted that Koval met with Lebanese entrepreneurs representing more than 12 companies involved in imports: millers, traders, and businesspeople purchasing food products; meat and grains from Ukraine.
According to the minister, Lebanese entrepreneurs import tens of thousands of tons of cattle. Recently, they have also started importing sheep into Lebanon. These areas of livestock farming could be promising for Ukrainian agrarians due to the meat shortage.
"Today, we export products to Lebanon worth over $400 million, although the potential is $1 billion. That is why the task of the Ministry of Agrarian Policy is to increase our product imports to Lebanon. I discussed with their businesses what needs to be done to boost trade turnover. Lebanese entrepreneurs pointed out some bureaucratic issues and logistical problems. I now clearly understand what needs to be simplified in the procedures. Lebanon is an important trading partner for us, so we will continue to work on developing our relations," Koval emphasized.
The minister noted that there is a very active Ukrainian community in Lebanon. During a meeting with its representatives, the Ukrainian delegation discussed logistical connections with Ukraine and increasing domestic products in Lebanese stores.
Koval urged the diaspora to act as ambassadors for Ukraine: to promote Ukrainian products while highlighting their quality.