Generalizes on the best strategy to enter the market, e.g., visiting the country; importance of relationships to finding a good partner; use of agents.
Last Published: 6/3/2019

U.S. companies interested in doing business in Lebanon are advised to hire a Lebanese agent or distributor.  While working through an agent is common practice in Lebanon, networking and lengthy investigations are equally important for finding an appropriate local partner.
The U.S. Commercial Service may assist U.S. companies to find the right partner through the International Partner Search (IPS) service.  Information on this service is available on Export.gov. 
The Investment Development Authority of Lebanon (IDAL) is the national authority responsible for promoting investments in Lebanon.  IDAL covers eight priority sectors: agriculture, agro-industry, industry, technology, IT, media, telecommunications, and tourism.  IDAL has the autority to award licenses and permits for new investments in specific sectors.  IDAL’s website (IDAL) is a one-stop-shop for investors and provides information on investment legislations, regulations, and starting a business.

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.