A one day cluster workshop entitled “Building the Lebanese Software Cluster - Networked Success on Export Markets” was held on May 29th 2007 at the Lebanese University Campus, Hadath. It was carried out by ALSI (the Association of the Lebanese Software Industry) and ELCIM (the Euro Lebanese Centre for Industrial Modernization) in their common effort to promote the Lebanese software industry. The workshop was conducted by two German experts selected by ELCIM (Mr. Lucas von Zallinger and Claus Traeger) and attended by several key players in the local software community.

The workshop discussed examples of countries successfully exporting software (Russia, Bulgaria and Croatia) and explained that these examples could be an inspiration for Lebanon. During this workshop, Claus Traeger noted that “The Lebanese software companies enjoy great assets enabling them to win European bids. They have qualified manpower, a west-oriented flexible mentality that facilitates contact with eclectic markets and most importantly they enjoy geographical proximity vis-à-vis the European markets. Moreover, some of the Lebanese software companies have already gained strong credentials by servicing international companies of size such as German Siemens”.

Lucas von Zallinger stated the reasons behind the clustering ALSO/ELCIM and explained that it is only by joining forces that Lebanon can gain the visibility it needs. Individually, the companies will fragment their chances. He added that “the reason behind Lebanon’s delayed entry into foreign markets remains purely political as the Lebanese products and services are deemed excellent. In addition, the lack of proper marketing & branding hasn’t helped. Together with ELCIM & through this cluster, we will help Lebanon get all the visibility & branding it needs”. President of ALSI Mr. Joe Abi Aad explained that the main goal of this workshop was the nomination of a group in charge of defining the mission and vision of the cluster, as well as the first version of the statutes: he said that this main goal was attained. He added that the cluster represented just one activity in their vast ALSI-ELCIM agenda: “ELCIM fosters the kind of networking that is crucial for us. Through ELCIM, we are building structured partnerships capable of addressing further foreign market needs. It is undeniable that ELCIM’s support will render the Lebanese companies a strong branding image in European markets thus doubling our chances in winning”.