From Wasta to Digital: Chahade's Plan to Transform Services in Lebanon

The «Experia Expo» was inaugurated at Forum de Beyrouth, attended by President Joseph Aoun, who arrived at the exhibition at 2:00 PM. He toured the venue, visiting the stands of participating companies and institutions, and met with innovators and representatives of Lebanese firms, accompanied by several ministers and MPs.

At 5:00 PM, Minister of Displaced Persons and State Minister for Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence, Kamal Chahade, officially opened the expo on behalf of the President. In his speech, he emphasized the event's importance in strengthening Lebanon's presence on the regional and international map of digital technology and innovation.

Chahade considered the expo a starting point for an event hoped to become a fixed annual milestone in the world of technology and innovation. He noted that its organization despite difficult circumstances and delays imposed by war reflects the organizers' faith in Lebanon and its ability to regain its leading role in this field.

He affirmed the state's commitment to building a "digital republic" that places the citizen at the heart of public institutions' work, enabling them to complete transactions and access services electronically from anywhere, with ease and transparency, away from intermediaries and "wasta" (nepotism).

He stressed that achieving this digital transformation requires effective partnership between the state, the private sector, universities, and startups. He expressed confidence in the capabilities of innovators, entrepreneurs, and Lebanese companies to contribute to leading the country toward a new era of prosperity, particularly in the age of artificial intelligence.

In closing his speech, Chahade thanked the organizing company «PromoFair», the participating companies, institutions, and innovators, the staff of the State Ministry for Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence, and everyone who contributed to the success of the event and enhanced cooperation between the public and private sectors.

The expo continues for three days, from October 8 to 10, offering visitors the opportunity to discover the latest innovations and technological solutions provided by participating companies and institutions.