McGuinty Visits Beirut To Conclude Successful Trade Mission to Middle East

Ontario’s six-day trade mission to the Middle East wrapped up in Beirut today, delivering new deals that will create jobs in Ontario. It was the first visit of an Ontario Premier to Lebanon.

Over 30 businesses and institutions participated in the trade mission resulting in millions of dollars of new investments– with additional Memoranda of Understanding that will see Ontario and Middle East firms continue to develop stronger ties into the future.

One major highlight of the trade mission was Teva, the world’s leading generic pharmaceutical company, announcing it will invest $56 million to expand its Stouffville production plant. Ontario is providing a $6.5-million grant to Teva Canada, which will retain 182 high-skilled workers and create 20 new jobs. More than half of the drugs produced by Teva in Canada are exported globally.

While in Beirut, Premier McGuinty, Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Sandra Pupatello and MPP Khalil Ramal met with Lebanon’s Minister of Economy and Trade, Mohammed Safadi, where they discussed how Ontario can partner with Lebanon to increase economic activity. Following the meeting, Minister Safadi committed to visiting Toronto next week to continue those discussions.

The delegation then visited the Blackberry Store. Blackberry maker Research In Motion, founded and based in Ontario, recently opened operations in Lebanon.

McGuinty ended the day by visiting Beyrouth Raouché (“Pigeon Rocks”), Harrissa Church and meeting with members of the Lebanese-Canadian Business Association.