Discusses the legal requirements for selling to the host government, including whether the government has agreed to abide by the WTO Government Procurement Agreement or is a party to a government procurement chapter in a U.S. FTA. Specifies areas where there are opportunities.
Last Published: 6/3/2019

Many governments finance public works projects through borrowing from the Multilateral Development Banks.  Please refer to “Project Financing” Section in “Trade and Project Financing” for more information.
The U.S. Commercial Service maintains Commercial Liaison Offices in each of the main Multilateral Development Banks, including the World Bank.  These institutions lend billions of dollars to developing countries for projects aimed at accelerating economic growth and social development by reducing poverty and inequality, improving health and education, and advancing infrastructure development.  The Commercial Liaison Offices help U.S. businesses participate in bank-funded projects and advocate on behalf of U.S. bidders.  Learn more by contacting the Commercial Liaison Office to the World Bank.
The Council for Development and Reconstruction (CDR), a public authority established in 1977, is the government body responsible for major public infrastructure projects in Lebanon.  The CDR reports to the Council of Ministers (i.e. cabinet) and coordinates its sector-based actions with the relevant ministries.  Generally, the CDR publicly solicits offers before awarding major construction contracts. 
Ministries may solicit for services valued below LBP 100 million ($66,357).  Ministries publish these requirements online and in local newspapers.  However, for works that exceed the threshold, the public tendering department is responsible for launching these tenders, unless the cabinet authorizes the relevant ministry to launch the tender directly.  U.S. companies can apply directly for these tenders or can rely on local agents to bid on their behalf.
Lebanon does not abide by the World Trade Organization (WTO) - Government Procurement Agreement (Lebanon is not a WTO member).  Lebanon lacks unified public procurement legislation, and a modernized law is being drafted for parliamentary consideration.

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.