Sectors in Focus in Lebanon
The Agriculture Sector: Agriculture in Lebanon is the third most important sector in the country is the third most important sector. It contributes nearly 7% to GDP and employs around 15% of the active population. Main crops include cereals (mainly wheat and barley), fruits and vegetables, olives, grapes, and tobacco, along with sheep and goat herding. Mineral resources are limited and are only exploited for domestic consumption.
The Tourism sector: was the main source of growth to the Lebanese economy prior to Syrian crisis that took a serious turn of events. But the tourist federation has started to feel the positive impact of the election and Tourism and trade slowly pick up after the election of a new president.
The Oil and gas sector: Is one of the most recently developed and most valuable sectors in Lebanon. The Lebanese Ministry of Energy has published a report showing that there are at least five offshore reservoirs. Recently discovered deposits of natural gas in the Eastern Mediterranean’s Levant Basin have arrived at a time when global demand for natural gas and related products is projected to increase at an annual rate of 1.6 percent. The Embassy encourages Danish companies to explore business opportunities as Lebanon needs Danish know-how and Danish capabilities in different infrastructure projects particularly, which will become particular evident in the new Gas & Oil industry.
The Power generative sector: is also promising for Danish companies as some are already highly involved in this sector. The Danish power plant specialist BWSC was awarded contracts to build two large diesel power plants. The two power plants were handed over to the Lebanese government November / December 2016 and will together produce 20 % of Lebanon’s power.
Waste to Energy sector: Beirut is struggling to find out what to do with its waste. Presently, the Lebanese capital is storing waste in the streets while trying to find a permanent solution to its waste management problems. This Sector is promising for Danish Companies and the Danish green mind as some are already involved in this sector. Ramboll a Danish company is doing the pre-qualification and maybe the tendering process with CDR. (Council for Development and Reconstruction)
The Health sector: Lebanon is considered as the hospital tourism destination of the Middle East. Lebanon is home of more than 12,500 doctors 85 % of whom are specialists and 15 % with more than two specialties, moreover 48 % have graduated from European and American universities. Danish companies have entered this sector with their own sales offices in Lebanon, such as Novo Nordisk and Leo Pharma.
The Food sector: Demand for basic needs, such as food and drink, has increased considerably. This has to do directly with the vast population increase in Lebanon, coming from the Syrian refugee inflow. The crisis has triggered a boom in food prices. Lebanon relies therefore more than ever on external food supply, and this provides the Danish food and agriculture businesses with excellent market opportunities. Arla had entered this sector in Lebanon.
The Water sector: As water shortage in Lebanon is exploding due to drastic population growth, an urgent need for smart clean water solutions has become ever more relevant. In September 2014, the World Bank approved the Water Supply Augmentation Project worth USD 474 million intended to deliver clean and safe water to citizens in Greater Beirut and Mount Lebanon areas. Technically the project will expand existing dams and create a hydraulic infrastructure.
The Lifestyle/ Fashion sector: The demand for fashion in Lebanon mainly leverages to imports from Europe in particular, as the local production capacity does not meet the local demand. Danish brands such as Vero Moda, Jack & Jones, Malene Birger, Noa Noa and Ecco are examples of Danish success stories in the Lebanese fashion industry. The Lebanese preference for Danish designer brands over many others provides room for a potential unique market that should be explored further by Danish companies.
The Lifestyle/ Furniture sector: In addition to the fashion sector, we have many popular Danish brands like B&O, ID design and BO-Concept, as the Lebanese people loves Unique products .The Lebanese preference for Danish brands provides room for a potential unique market that should be explored further by Danish companies