As the Unites States Ambassador to Lebanon, I am proud to welcome you to Made in America  2008.  The U.S. Embassy’s Commercial Service is hosting this event to showcase the latest American technology and to assist Lebanese and American businesses in taking advantage of the expanding commercial relations between both countries.  In addition to the exhibition, our Commercial Service, in collaboration with the American-Lebanese Chamber of Commerce, will host a series of seminars on a variety of topics, including trade between Lebanon and the U.S. and doing business with the U.S.  Representatives from the American Chambers of Commerce and the American Business Councils in the Middle East and North Africa will travel to Lebanon to take part in these conferences.

 I am pleased to report that U.S. exports to Lebanon have almost doubled in the first half of 2008, compared to same period in 2007, and that the U.S. is currently Lebanon’s number one trading partner.  This shows the strong and deep commercial ties between Lebanon and the U.S. and reflects the American business community’s optimism about the economic and political potential of Lebanon.  It is also testimony to the vital role the Lebanese business community plays in contributing to economic prosperity in Lebanon.

Moreover, the size of Made in America 2008 is solid proof of the American business community’s strong vote of confidence in Lebanon and its potential as a secure, stable, democratic and prosperous country; as a thriving free market economy, with a diverse, dynamic and hard working population; and as a gateway to the Middle East. 

I look forward to seeing you at Made in America 2008.  I am confident that it will offer you an excellent opportunity to develop new partnerships and to expand existing ones between Lebanon and the United States. 

Sincerely,

Michele J. Sison

U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon