Lebanon interested in importing meat, dairy products and cattle – Agrarian Minister

Ukraine exports products to Lebanon for more than $400 million, although the potential is $1 billion, promising supplies are cattle, meat and dairy products, said Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food Vitaliy Koval following his visit to Lebanon and meeting with businesses.

The Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food noted that Koval met with Lebanese businessmen – representatives of more than 12 companies involved in imports: millers, traders, entrepreneurs buying food products; meat and grain from Ukraine.

According to the minister, Lebanese entrepreneurs import tens of thousands of tonnes of cattle. Recently, they began importing sheep to Lebanon. These areas of breeding may be promising for Ukrainian farmers due to the meat shortage.

"Today we export products to Lebanon for more than $400 million, although the potential is $1 billion. That is why the task of the Ministry of Agrarian Policy is to increase the import of our products to Lebanon. I discussed with their businesses what needs to be done to increase trade turnover. Lebanese entrepreneurs noted some bureaucratic issues and logistical problems. Now I clearly understand what needs to be simplified in the procedures. Lebanon is an important trading partner for us, so we will work on developing our relations further," Koval emphasized.

The minister drew attention to the fact that Lebanon has a very active Ukrainian community. During a meeting with its representatives, the Ukrainian delegation discussed logistical communication with Ukraine and increasing domestic products in Lebanese stores.

Koval called on the diaspora to be ambassadors of Ukraine: to popularize Ukrainian products, noting their quality.