Beirut, 26 July 2024: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture in Tripoli and North Lebanon (CCIAT), and with funding from the Government of Catalonia through the Catalan Agency for Development Cooperation (ACCD), has launched "Al Ghorfa Export," a new digital platform managed by the Chamber of Commerce in Tripoli. Designed to enhance business operations and expand market access amidst Lebanon's challenges, this platform aims to empower Lebanese MSMEs to reach international markets.
"Al Ghorfa Export" provides comprehensive resources and support to help businesses streamline their export processes and achieve global success. It offers e-learning materials and essential business information, facilitates networking among stakeholders, supports business registration, and aids in marketing efforts to access additional markets.
Tripoli, Lebanon's second-largest city and economic hub of the North and Akkar Governorates, faces unique challenges including weak infrastructure, limited finance access, and inadequate business support for MSMEs. 
In response to these challenges, a comprehensive assessment conducted during the socio-economic crisis of 2020-2021 identified key sectors in Tripoli with significant growth potential, including agriculture, agro-food, manufacturing, and ICT services.
Direct support was provided to 80 MSMEs across various sectors, while upgrading the Chamber's IT infrastructure. This effort aims to create a robust business ecosystem that fosters economic growth and enhances livelihoods in the region.
UNDP and CCIAT have also inaugurated the Tripoli Scale-Up Forum, which saw participation from over 100 MSMEs. This forum is dedicated to empowering businesses and startups by providing them with access to new markets and export opportunities.
The Tripoli Scale-Up Forum represents a pivotal platform for collaboration and innovation among MSMEs. It underscores forward-thinking efforts to advance the city and its community, offering valuable opportunities for growth and mutual support. The event served as an opportunity for dynamic networking, bringing together key players from the distribution, marketing, delivery, shipping, and logistics industries to foster collaboration and drive business growth.
Dr. Raghed Assi, UNDP Crisis Prevention and Crisis Response Programme Manager said in his opening word "At UNDP, we believe that strategic partnerships are crucial in driving innovation and improving market performance for MSMEs. Amidst Lebanon's challenging times, our support aims to help these businesses access international markets and foster sustainable growth. The 'Al Ghorfa Export' platform not only serves as a model for Tripoli but has the potential to impact MSMEs on a national scale. By providing a comprehensive support system and enhancing market access, we are committed to driving economic progress and fostering economic recovery across Lebanon."

Mr. Vicenç Margalef Parellada, ACCD Director said in a recorded message, “The Mediterranean region has been an area of special attention in the different cycles of the Catalan cooperation, establishing a stable set of priority countries where Lebanon has been traditionally present.”
He continued, “UNDP Lebanon is a strategic partner in the country for us, thanks to its technical and logistical capacities, and its ability to work directly with local communities. We have been working together since 2016, and we hope we will continue working in the future.”

Mr. Toufic Dabbousi, CCIAT President welcomed the participants to the launching ceremony of the Chamber for Export platform, emphasizing the pivotal role the Chamber plays in the business ecosystem in the North region. “It is a source of pride that the Tripoli and North Chamber, in partnership with the UNDP and the ACCD, launched the electronic “Chamber for Export" platform, which is of strategic importance in promoting international cooperation to achieve growth in various fields of the Lebanese economy and increase the volume of Lebanese exports towards global markets”.
He concluded by thanking UNDP and ACCD, emphasizing the significance of this partnership for sustainable development in the region.

For more information, please contact
In UNDP – Lebanon    | Maryam Sweid‎ | maryam.sweid@undp.org | +961 ‎(71) 366 212‎
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UNDP is working in Lebanon since 1986 as a development partner supporting economic recovery, including working with municipalities to deliver basic services to host communities, promoting clean energy and solid waste management, strengthening governance and rule of law, providing support to elections, and working on empowering women and youth.