BEIRUT, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- Philippe Lazzarini, deputy UN special coordinator for Lebanon, said on Wednesday that the United Nations' yearly contribution to the Lebanese economy stands at 1 billion U.S. dollars.
"We are keen to support Lebanese institutions for them to overcome their financial crises," he was quoted as saying by Elnashra, an online independent newspaper.
Lazzarini's remarks came during his meeting with Industry Minister Wael Abou Faour.
Lazzarini said that the United Nations is increasing its purchases of Lebanese products in a bid to support Lebanon's industrial sector.
"We are also working on a plan that would encourage international organizations in Lebanon to buy local products," he said.
The Lebanese industrial sector has been suffering for years from foreign competition due to the high cost of production in Lebanon.
