Prime Minister Nawaf Salam stressed that supporting Lebanese industry constitutes a national interest linked to economic growth, job creation, financial stability, and economic sovereignty, stressing that the government views industrialists as partners in rebuilding the Lebanese economy. During the opening of the second edition of the National Industry Fair 2026, and according to what was stated in his speech, Salam announced the launch of a national program to stimulate local production and replace imports with competitive Lebanese products, in coordination between the relevant ministries, in addition to forming a joint government mechanism to promote industrial exports, and developing a program to attract investments in technological industries. He pointed out that the government will give preference to the Lebanese product in public procurement, within applicable laws and agreements, and will adopt thoughtful investment incentives for industries capable of raising local added value and providing job opportunities, while encouraging the manufacturing of products that Lebanon imports in large quantities whenever there is the ability to produce them with competitive quality and cost. Regarding the energy file, Salam stressed that the industry cannot compete in light of the high cost of energy compared to competing countries, stressing that the government is working to develop sustainable solutions to this crisis, and expressing his hope that they will be announced soon. Salam pointed out that Lebanon possesses engineering and technological competencies and a distinguished educational level, which qualifies it to be a regional base for technological industries, as European and American companies tend to diversify their production sites. Regarding national affairs, Salam stressed that extending the state’s authority over its entire territory exclusively by its own forces remains a basic condition for the state to restore its role and existence, stressing the government’s commitment to this goal in accordance with what was stipulated in the Taif Agreement. For his part, Minister of Industry Joe Issa Al-Khoury stressed at the opening of the “National Industry 2026” exhibition that “technological industries constitute Lebanon’s new bet for the future,” noting that “Lebanese competencies give the country the opportunity to transform into a base for technological industries.” He announced the establishment of a green transformation unit, with the aim of transforming environmental challenges into production and investment opportunities