BEIRUT, Aug. 27 (Xinhua) -- Lebanon's industrial exports increased to 1.79 billion U.S. dollars in the first five months of 2018, up 6.6 percent year on year, according to an official report issued on Monday.
Fadi Gemayel, head of the Association of Lebanese Industrialists, attributed the increase to the success of some Lebanese industrialists in opening new markets for their products.
"Industrialists have made great efforts in exploring new markets for their products," Gemayel told Xinhua.
Chemicals accounted for most of the Lebanese exports in value, followed by food and tobacco, electric equipment and basic metals, according to the report issued by the Industry Ministry.
Lebanon's industrial exports have witnessed recessions in the past few years because of the closure of the only functioning crossing between Jordan and Syria, which is vital for the transport of goods from Lebanon to Gulf states.
However, Syrian government forces have taken control of the border after a three-year closure, making it possible for Lebanese exporters to use the crossing again to sell their products abroad.
