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The Beirut Declaration on Arab Brands

“Promoting Arab Brands, Fostering Creation and Consumption of Arab Products”

Beirut – 14 May 2015

We, the Lebanese Franchise Association (LFA), and its partners, having met in Beirut, on 13-14 May 2015, for the Beirut International Franchise Forum – BIFEX 2015, and having discussed the Arab Brands Initiative, hereby acknowledge that: Whereas the Arab world and the world at large are thirsting for economic impulses and new initiatives coming from the Middle East; Whereas we strongly believe that the MENA region is a common market and a potential economic powerhouse; Whereas branding represents an important means of business modernization and value creation; Whereas we recognize branding as an important means for enhancing the competitiveness of Arab SMEs and their ability to create high value jobs; Whereas brands are an important tool for increasing exports, particularly exports that transport culture across borders; Whereas the partners are confident that Arab entrepreneurs have the innovative talent and management skills to launch globally-competitive brands.

 

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Now, therefore,

We, the participants, declare our full commitment to the above ideals and to coordinating together and with local governments and other stakeholders for the advancement of Arab Brands, and for furthering jobs creation and increasing private sector cooperation in the Arab region.

We, the Signatories below,

Are eager to heed the ‘Call to Brand’,

and are willing to join efforts to go “From 100 to 1000 Arab Brand Champions” Beirut, 14 May 2015