by Dana Halawi
BEIRUT, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Chinese companies are seeking opportunities in Lebanon's reconstruction market, with 16 firms showcasing steel structures, expandable houses, security systems, and building materials at Project Lebanon 2026 in Beirut.
The four-day exhibition, running through Friday, has drawn Chinese suppliers seeking customers, distributors, and local partners as Lebanon gears up for reconstruction.
"We are preparing for the reconstruction phase, so the participation of Chinese companies and others shows that they see Lebanon as a market where they can invest in the future," Jessica Bou Samra, marketing manager at organizer IFP Group, told Xinhua.
Samra said residential construction, particularly in southern Lebanon, is a key opportunity for Chinese companies.
"We are highly interested in projects in Beirut and in southern Lebanon, where a lot of people lost their houses," said Jiang Zhiyun, regional product marketing manager for the Middle East at Chinese technology company Hikvision.
The company provides CCTV, access control, intercom, and parking security systems, and has completed projects in Lebanon via local partners.
Jiang said the firm seeks to expand cooperation, adding that Lebanon also offered a gateway to the Syrian market.
At the booth of Shenheng Steel, visitors showed strong interest in expandable houses priced between 4,000 and 30,000 U.S. dollars.
"There is a great potential here," said sales manager Jay Zhang. "The clients here are asking for quantities of expandable houses, perhaps because of the situation in south Lebanon and because they cannot pay a lot to reconstruct their previous houses."
The company already serves several Lebanese customers and is exploring deeper cooperation with local construction firms.
Door manufacturer Real-Best WPC Door is participating the exhibition for the first time, seeking clients, dealers, and engineers.
"The reconstruction projects in southern Lebanon are an opportunity to market our doors," said marketing representative Judy Liao, adding that the company may open a warehouse in Lebanon.
Some Chinese firms are already established in Lebanon. Vicy Chen of Haowang Group, which makes wall paint, PVC ceilings, and decorative materials, said the company has served Lebanese customers for about a decade.
"The Lebanese now appreciate Chinese products more generally," Chen said, adding that reconstruction could increase demand.
Lebanese visitors also cited growing interest in Chinese products.
Raafat Mehio, a tile store owner who attended the fair to explore construction products and suppliers, said Lebanese buyers are increasingly turning to Chinese products, though price, quality, and reliability remain key factors. ■
