British Embassy Touts Record Trade Figures Between UK and Lebanon

On Thursday, British Ambassador to Lebanon Hamish Cowell hosted a Business and Trade reception to celebrate a significant milestone in UK-Lebanon trade relations. In 2023, bilateral trade between the two countries exceeded £1 billion for the first time, reaching a record £1.1 billion, marking a 45% increase from 2022. UK exports to Lebanon alone amounted to £160 million, with the top exports being mechanical power generators, cars, beverages, dairy products, and medicinal and pharmaceutical products. Services contributed over £600 million to the total.

The event was attended by Lebanon’s caretaker Minister of Public Health, Firas Abiad, along with numerous Lebanese businesspeople and entrepreneurs with investments in both Lebanon and the UK. Oliver Christian, the British Trade Commissioner for the Middle East and Pakistan at the UK Department for Business and Trade, addressed the guests via a recorded video message.

During the reception, Ambassador Cowell highlighted the significance of the trade milestone amidst local and regional challenges. He emphasized the strength of the UK-Lebanon partnership and the mutual business opportunities in both countries. Cowell expressed eagerness for more UK brands to enter the Lebanese market and support for Lebanese investments in the UK across various sectors.

Trade Commissioner Oliver Christian’s video message underscored the robust UK-Lebanon relationship as evidenced by the record-breaking trade figures in 2023. He noted the expansion of British brands in Lebanon, mentioning the recent opening of The Entertainer Toy Shop and the market presence of Baylis and Harding, with more brands like E L and N café expected to follow. Christian also highlighted the success of Lebanese brands such as Swiss Butter, Meat the Fish, and Nada Ghazal Jewellery in the UK market. He expressed his hope to visit Lebanon soon to learn more about the country’s offerings firsthand.