The Lebanese are hardly known for living in harmony. They are more often at each other’s throats — if politics is anything to go by — than working collectively for a mutually beneficial future. But where political and civic cooperation leaves much to be desired, the Lebanese entrepreneurial spirit is alive and kicking. Over the past decade a flurry of Lebanese brands started up and the more successful, primarily from the food and beverage (FNB) sector, expanded abroad as franchises into the burgeoning Gulf markets. Following the Syrian withdrawal from Lebanon in 2005 and the opening up of the economy, Lebanese businesses have also opened up shop in Damascus, while Amman has become a solid revenue earner. What is perhaps surprising is that, given such regional success, it took until late 2006 for a franchises association to be established to bring together Lebanese brands, learn from each other’s experiences and
