
Strong start for Lebanon's 1st automotive aftermarket trade show: AUTOPARTS EXPO 2025 opens to full house
Beirut witnessed a dynamic and promising launch of the first edition of AUTOPARTS EXPO, Lebanon's first dedicated trade exhibition for the automotive aftermarket and vehicle services industry.
Held at the Mövenpick Hotel in Beirut, the event opened its doors on Tuesday, June 3, to an impressive turnout of professionals, technicians, importers, distributors, and decision-makers from across the country.
From early afternoon until late evening, the exhibition halls buzzed with energy, conversations, and active networking. Attendees explored a wide array of local and regional exhibitors showcasing spare parts, lubricants, batteries, diagnostic tools, maintenance technologies, and vehicle service solutions. The diversity of the exhibiting companies, from well-established Lebanese suppliers to international brand representatives, offered visitors a comprehensive view of the current market and future trends.
The opening ceremony was held under the patronage of the Ministry of Economy and Trade, with Dr. Mohammad Abou Haidar, Director General of the Ministry, delivering a keynote speech. He highlighted the importance of such sector-specific initiatives in supporting economic resilience and driving private sector growth. He emphasized that specialized exhibitions like AUTOPARTS EXPO serve as powerful tools to create linkages between businesses, encourage trade partnerships, and reassert Beirut's role as a regional hub for commerce and expertise.
Mr. Farhat Farhat, representing the organizing company BEIRUT EXPO, shared insights into the vision behind launching the show. "After our success with the Middle East Clean Energy exhibition, we recognized the need for a strong professional platform for the automotive sector, especially the aftermarket, which plays a critical role in daily life, employment, and regional trade," he said. 'Lebanon's position as a connector between Arab and African markets gives us a competitive edge.'
The first day also featured the opening session of the conference, bringing together experts to discuss opportunities and challenges in the sector, further enriching the event with knowledge-sharing and strategic dialogue.
As AUTOPARTS EXPO enters its second and third days on Wednesday, June 4, and Thursday, June 5—the momentum is only growing. The exhibition continues to be a must-visit for industry professionals, garage owners, fleet managers, automotive engineers, and anyone seeking new business opportunities, partnerships, or insights into the automotive aftermarket.
With free public entry, the exhibition is open from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Mövenpick Hotel, Beirut (Raouché). Visitors are encouraged to take advantage of this unique opportunity to meet suppliers, explore new products, and network with fellow professionals in a business-friendly setting.
Don't miss your chance to be part of this landmark event and witness the rebirth of Beirut as a center for sector-specific trade shows in the region. Whether you're looking for cutting-edge solutions, new suppliers, or industry connections, AUTOPARTS EXPO is where the automotive aftermarket meets in Lebanon.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Nahar Net
29 minutes ago
- Nahar Net
US trade partners around the world react to Trump's new tariffs
by Naharnet Newsdesk 6 hours U.S. trade partners reacted Friday to President Donald Trump's executive order that would introduce new tariffs on many of them in seven days, as the global economy and alliances face another test from the president's trade agenda. Trump's order issued Thursday night came after a flurry of tariff-related activity in recent days as the White House announced agreements with various nations and blocs before a deadline set by the president for Aug. 1. Trump ordered a 35% tariff for goods from Canada, effective from Friday, citing a lack of cooperation on illicit drugs. He also said Thursday that he would extend trade negotiations with Mexico for 90 days. Here's the latest: Thailand says 19% rate reflects 'close partnership' with US Thailand's finance minister says the 19% tariff rate imposed by the U.S. "reflects the strong friendship and close partnership" between the two countries. Thailand's new rate of 19% was reduced from 36%, similar to other rates imposed on Southeast Asian nations, such as Vietnam, Cambodia and the Philippines. Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira wrote in a social media post on Friday that it would "maintain Thailand's competitiveness on the global stage" and opens the "door to economic growth," but also acknowledged it would pose problems for some sectors of the economy and said that "comprehensive support measures have been prepared." Speaking to reporters at a news conference in Bangkok later Friday, Pichai said that the deal will still need more time to be hammered out in details. Pakistan welcomes 19% tariffs under US trade deal Pakistan on Friday welcomed a new tariff arrangement with the United States that sets a 19% duty on Pakistani exports, calling it a positive step that could boost trade and economic growth. The new rate is lower than the 29% tariff initially announced by U.S. President Donald Trump and below the 25% currently imposed on neighboring India. The Finance Ministry said the agreement reflects a "balanced and forward-looking approach" by U.S. authorities and will help keep Pakistani goods competitive in the American market compared to other South and Southeast Asian countries. The ministry said the revised tariff is expected to benefit key export sectors, particularly textiles, which remain the backbone of Pakistan's export economy. The ministry said that Pakistan will continue to engage closely with Trump and the U.S. administration to promote the shared goals of economic development and mutual prosperity. Norway wants 'zero tariffs' Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre told newspaper VG that he believes the Scandinavian country should have "zero tariffs." Gahr Støre, following the White House's announcement, said Norwegian officials are still in talks with Washington in the hopes of eliminating the duties altogether. Norway got hit with an expected 15% tariff. Switzerland hit with 39% tariff and will try to negotiate The land of luxury watches, pharmaceuticals and secretive financial services was reeling Friday, Switzerland's National Day, upon learning it had been slapped with a 39% tariff, although U.S. President Donald Trump had proposed a 31% rate in April. The Swiss government said officials will continue to seek a negotiated solution. "The Federal Council notes with great regret that, despite the progress made in bilateral talks and Switzerland's very constructive stance from the outset, the US intends to impose unilateral additional tariffs on imports from Switzerland," the government said in a post on X. Trump orders 35% tariff on Canadian goods U.S. President Donald Trump has raised the tariff rate on U.S. imports from Canada to 35% from 25%, effective Friday, citing a lack of cooperation on illicit drugs. The announcement from the White House late Thursday said that Canada had failed "to do more to arrest, seize, detain, or otherwise intercept drug trafficking organizations, other drug or human traffickers, criminals at large, and illicit drugs." Trump earlier had threatened to impose the higher tariff on Canada if no deal was reached by Friday, his deadline for reaching trade agreements with dozens of countries. Canada wasn't included in Trump's updated list of tariff rates on other countries announced late Thursday. Those import duties are due to take effect on Aug. 7. Malaysia hails 'significant achievement' in 19% tariff rate Malaysia's Trade Ministry said Friday that the U.S. tariff reduction from 25% to 19% was a "significant achievement" as the deal was struck without compromising key national interests. "The 19% rate roughly tracks the rate of other countries in the Southeast Asian region," the ministry said in a statement. "Most importantly, Malaysia had stood firm on various 'red line' items, and the 19% tariff rate was achieved without compromising the nation's sovereign right to implement key policies to support the nation's socio-economic stability and growth." The ministry said that Malaysia's economy remains resilient despite global headwinds, citing strong domestic demand and ongoing structural reforms. The statement didn't give further details, but officials previously said that nontariff barriers such as halal certification, which affects U.S. beef and poultry exports, along with digital trade and government procurement were sticking points. It's unclear what concessions Malaysia made. Cambodia will impose zero tariffs on all American goods Cambodia's deputy prime minister, who led trade talks with the U.S., thanked U.S. President Donald Trump for setting the tariff rate on Cambodian goods at 19% and said the government would impose zero tariffs on all American goods. When Washington originally posted its list of notional "reciprocal" tariffs, the rate for goods from Cambodia was 49%, one of the highest in the world. It had estimated that Cambodian tariffs on U.S. imports averaged 97%. Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol also said Cambodia would purchase 10 passenger aircraft from Boeing in a deal they hoped to sign later this month. Several other nations had already announced similar aircraft purchase deals as part of their trade packages. Trump had threatened to not conclude a deal with reduced tariffs if Cambodia and Thailand didn't stop a recent armed conflict over border territory. The two nations agreed on a ceasefire beginning Tuesday that appears to be holding. Cambodia publicly celebrated Trump's peace initiative, suggesting he deserved a Nobel Prize for his intervention. Sun Chanthol said Friday that Cambodia would nominate him for the honor. Australia says 10% rate gives country competitive advantage Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell says gaining the minimum 10% U.S. tariff on exports including beef, lamb, wine and wheat gave Australia a competitive advantage over some competitors. Farrell told reporters Australia did not introduce tariffs on U.S. goods at any point, and added, "I haven't seen any case or any example where the retaliatory imposition of tariffs has resulted in a country being in a better position." Farrell argues that no U.S. tariffs can be justified because Australia imposes no tariffs on its bilateral free trade partner. The United States has enjoyed a trade surplus with Australia for decades. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been criticized for failing to secure a face-to-face meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss trade. Japan welcomes Trump's signing of executive order Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump's signing of the executive order setting Japan's new reciprocal tariffs as a step that would reduce uncertainty of the U.S. trade policy and its negative impact on the global economy, including that of Japan. Hayashi, however, said Japan still needs to closely examine the measures and continue urging prompt implementation by the U.S. government to carry out the agreement, including reduction of tariffs on automobiles and auto parts. Hayashi acknowledged that Japan's new tariff rate of 15% is a "major reduction" from the initially imposed 25%, but his government will continue to watch and mitigate its impact on Japanese exports, including by providing financial assistance for small and medium-sized businesses. New Zealand looks to lobby for lower tariff rates New Zealand officials said they would lobby the administration for a change to the 15% tariff announced for the country's exporters to the U.S. It's an increase from the original 10% baseline announced for New Zealand in April. "We don't think this is a good thing. We don't think it's warranted," Trade Minister Todd McClay told Radio New Zealand Friday. He said New Zealand appeared to have been targeted for a larger levy because the country sells more to the U.S. than it imports, but that the gap of about half a billion dollars each year was "not significant or meaningful." Neighboring Australia dodged an increase to remain at 10%, but it buys more from the U.S. than it exports, McClay added. The United States in January overtook Australia to become New Zealand's second-largest export partner, behind China. New Zealand exports are largely made up of meat, dairy, wine and agricultural machinery. Taiwan president says final tariff negotiations yet to come Taiwan President Lai Ching-te said Taiwan had yet to engage in final negotiations with the U.S. owing to scheduling difficulties and that he was hopeful the final tariff rate would be reduced even further after a final round of talks. The Trump administration hit Taiwan with 32% tariffs, and lowered it to 20% on Thursday. Taiwan was notified on Thursday by the administration of the lower rate. "Twenty percent from the beginning has not been our goal. We hope that in further negotiations we will get a more beneficial and more reasonable tax rate," he told reporters in Taipei on Friday. Lai also linked trade talks to security issues, as the U.S. is Taiwan's largest ally even though it does not formally recognize the island. "We want to strengthen U.S. Taiwan cooperation in national security, tech, and multiple areas," he said Friday. The U.S. is Taiwan's most important export market and strategic ally, Lai said in an earlier statement Friday morning. Cambodia prime minister thanks Trump for dropping tariff rate Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet expressed his thanks to U.S. President Donald Trump for the dropping of tariffs from 36% to 19% and he called the reduction "good news" for Cambodia. Posted on his social media platform, Hun Manet said Trump hadn't only helped broker a ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand forces after nearly a weeklong clash, but also assisted Cambodia's economy by lowering tariffs. "This is good news for the people and economy of Cambodia to continue developing the country," Hun Manet said. Thailand successfully negotiates lower tariff rates Thailand's government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub said Thailand says the U.S. agreed to reduce the tariffs rate from 36% to 19%, a rate similar to those imposed on many other Southeast Asian countries such as Vietnam and the Philippines. "It's one of the major successes of Team Thailand in a win-win approach, to secure the country's export base and economic security in a long run," he said in a statement. He didn't immediately say what was the latest offer Thailand made to the U.S. The agreement came days after a ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia to halt the nearly weeklong clashes that killed at least 41 people. It was brokered with U.S. pressure as President Donald Trump said he wouldn't move forward with trade agreements if the conflict continued.


Nahar Net
an hour ago
- Nahar Net
UK chargé Victoria Dunne inaugurates new military accommodation facility in Hamat
by Naharnet Newsdesk 01 August 2025, 15:59 Ahead of Lebanese Army Day on August 1, the UK Chargé D'Affaires Victoria Dunne, accompanied by UK Defense Attaché Lt. Col. Charles Smith, inaugurated a new military accommodation facility in Hamat on Thursday, July 31. The building, funded by the UK Ministry of Defense, will support UK personnel to deliver a variety of training and support to various Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) units. This includes leadership development for junior officers and infantry skills courses, including for female LAF personnel. "The UK continues to be a steadfast supporter of the LAF, the sole legitimate defender of Lebanon, supporting with training, kit and equipment," a British embassy statement said. Chargé D'Affaires Dunne said: "A huge congratulations to the LAF on their 80th anniversary whose bravery defending Lebanon internally and on the borders is admirable. I am thrilled to be in Hamat today to inaugurate this new accommodation facility. We are proud of our partnership with the LAF and ongoing support for the development of its capabilities, including through training." Defense Attaché Smith for his part said: "Today is another milestone for UK-Lebanese defense cooperation. The provision of accommodation and facilities will assist UK personnel in delivering high-impact training to various LAF brigades and units, including to female officers and soldiers. And it also demonstrates that the UK remains a proud and enduring partner to the LAF."


L'Orient-Le Jour
an hour ago
- L'Orient-Le Jour
Tripoli conference dedicated to corporate ecological transition
The city of Tripoli, in northern Lebanon, hosted the Green Forward 2025 conference this week, dedicated to the ecological transition of Lebanese businesses, organizers said. The event, which was held on Wednesday at the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture of Tripoli (CCIAT), brought together more than 150 participants and stakeholders, "including business support organizations [BSOs], SMEs, policymakers and experts from Lebanon, the European Union and the Global South." Organized by the Business Incubation Association in Tripoli (BIAT), in partnership with the NGO SPARK and funded by the European Union, the conference is part of the Green Forward program, which "aims to encourage the development of a sustainable and circular economy in Lebanon and North Africa." Seven countries are targeted: Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestine and Tunisia. Green Forward is the first component of a larger project, Green and Circular Economy in the Southern Neighborhood, launched under the European Neighborhood Policy and supported by a budget of 4 million euros over two years (2024-2026). "In Lebanon and the southern Mediterranean region, the program's goal is to strengthen the capacities of business support organizations [BSOs] so that they become ecosystem facilitators, bridging the gap between policies and their implementation on the ground," a statement said.