MedDiet organizes “National Capitalizing Event” - November 6, 2014 at the Biel Exghibition Center in Beirut

On Thursday November 6, 2014, under the auspices of His Excellency the Minister of Education and Higher Education, Dr. Elias Bou Saab, and on the sidelines of the 4^th Beirut Cooking Festival, at BIEL, Beirut, the "Mediterranean Diet and Enhancement of Traditional Foodstuff – MedDiet", a strategic project funded by the European Union, under the ENPI CBC Med Programme, organized a symposium entitled “National Capitalizing Event” in the presence of a large number of prominent figures and partners representatives.

Following the Lebanese national anthem, Mr. Mohammad Choucair, Chairman of the Association of Mediterranean Chamber of Commerce, Industry (ASCAME) and of the Federation of Lebanese Chambers (FCCIAL) inaugurated the event with his welcome note. The speeches of H.E. Angelina Eichhorst, European Union Ambassador, given by Mr. Marcelino Mori, H.E. the Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Akram Chehayeb, given by the Director General Mr. Louis Lahoud followed.

After the speech of the Ministry of Agriculture, MP, Mr. Serge Torsarkissian representing H.E. the Minister of Tourism, Mr. Michel Pharaon, gave a speech which was followed by the speech of H.E. Dr. Elias Abou Saab, given by Mr. Mohammed Jamal, President of the Educational Region.

The event included signing on a declaration to uphold and sustain the Mediterranean Diet followed by the distribution of certificates to 37 Lebanese Restaurants that were assessed and audited by the Bureau Veritas Liban.

A presentation by the MedDiet Project Manager, Eng. Elie Massoud, about the project’s objectives and the main achievements realized since its inception. Mr. Massoud explained the importance of the project in safeguarding traditional food, along with the importance of this diet to decrease the rate of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, cholesterol and obesity. He explained that the Mediterranean Diet is a way to promote “social interaction, since communal meals are the cornerstone of social customs and festive events. It has given rise to a considerable body of knowledge, songs, maxims, tales and legends". He concluded by saying that Mediterranean Diet is a real way of life, which roots are in the knowledge of the land and its strength in many traditional foods, with a great economic significance. 

Ms. Flora Jabbour, Bureau VERITAS delegate, touched on the quality accolade introduced by the international company and which came into effect in six Mediterranean countries so far, including Spain, Italy, Greece, Egypt, Tunisia, and Lebanon.

In Lebanon, MedDiet is being implemented by the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture of Beirut and Mount Lebanon. The project aims at increasing the awareness of consumers and of SMEs about the benefits of the Mediterranean Diet and looks to implement sustainable initiatives to that effect.

A reception in honor of the attendees concluded the event.

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For further information:
Mr. Elie MASSOUD
Email: agriculture@ccib.org.lb