Industry Vox Pops

Joint ventures with European companies are one method by which Lebanese manufacturers can enhance their position in Middle Eastern markets. Executive asked Roger Dib, director of Near East Consulting Group and partner in a joint venture between Italian kitchen manufacturers Snaidero and Indevco Group, how he evaluates the impact of the recent events on joint venture prospects for Lebanon and what risks he sees in the current situation. Roger Dib I have just signed a new agreement with a leading Italian manufacturer for distribution of their products and manufacturing of one line in Lebanon. They have not hesitated to come because the Lebanese market is only one of 10 to 12 points of distribution for them. However, if I couldn’t provide distribution in the region, it would be difficult. They seek distribution; we seek manufacturing, that’s the deal. European companies are squeezed today. They have to work hard on their