V.  Marketing U.S. Products and Services

The USG has no trade sanctions against Lebanon, and no special export license
requirements apply.  The only restrictions are standard USG export license
controls.  Lebanon enjoys a competitive open market and a
commercially-oriented economic system.  In view of restrictions on the use of
U.S. passports for travel to Lebanon, U.S. companies are encouraged to
participate in Lebanon's reconstruction by drawing on their non U.S. staff, or
through their representative offices in the region.  U.S. companies are also
encouraged to form joint ventures with other companies to bid on major
projects in Lebanon.

U.S. commodities face strong competition from european goods due to the
extensive representation of european companies in the Lebanese market.  At
least 65 U.S. business representative offices operate in Lebanon.  Recently, a
Ford Motor Company dealership reopened in Beirut, and Citibank is expected to
resume operations.

There is great potential for U.S. fast food, cosmetics, sportswear and fashion
design franchises in Lebanon.

Any foreigner wishing to conduct a business in Lebanon needs to have a
residence permit, work permit, and a commercial registration.

Major newspapers in Lebanon are Al Nahar, Al Safir, Al Anwar, Al Diyar,
l'Orient le Jour (French), and MMonday Morning.  The major business magazines
in Lebanon are Le Commerce du Levant (French), Mal-wa-a'mal, Al-Bayan, and
Arab Ad.  The minister of economy is considering eliminating exclusive
representation of companies in Lebanon to allow more competition and reduce
prices.  The consumer protection agency at the Ministry of Economy, in charge
of controling prices and validity of consumables, lacks experienced
inspectors.  Government procurement is usually through tender bids.  Lebanon
adheres to the Arab League boycott of Israel, although enforcement is
selective.

The GOL, through the Ministry of Economy and Trade, provides no real
enforcement of intellectual property rights (IPR), although IPR, patents,
trademarks and copyrights are registered in Lebanon.  Even when violations
come to the Ministry's attention, the GOL is unlikely to take enforcement
action.  The Ministry has investigated some IPR infringement cases in the
Lebanese courts.  Unauthorized copying of imported publications, videotapes,
cassettes, and computer software are common abuses of IPR in Lebanon.  U.S.
firms wishing to conduct business in Lebanon are encouraged to hire a local
attorney.  (A list of lawyers practicing in Lebanon is available on request
from the Embassy's consular section.)