ZEAL, the developer and operator of Beirut Digital District (BDD), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Chambre de Commerce Franco-Libanaise (CCFL) to strengthen Lebanese-French business collaboration, facilitate market access, and create new opportunities for companies, entrepreneurs, and talent across both countries.

The agreement was signed on October 8, 2026, during the first day of Experia, at the CCFL booth, by Kim Mouawad, Chief Growth Officer at ZEAL, and Dani Abi Chala, Secretary General of CCFL.

Positioning Lebanon as a Strategic Destination for Business Development and Outsourcing

The partnership aims to attract French businesses, as well as Lebanese diaspora entrepreneurs and businesses based in France and across Europe, to explore Lebanon as a strategic destination for business development and outsourcing.

It seeks to highlight Lebanon’s competitive advantages, particularly its highly skilled and multilingual talent pool, while positioning the country as a cost-effective and high-value hub for outsourcing, business operations, and regional expansion.

Through this collaboration, BDD will serve as a strategic gateway for companies seeking to leverage Lebanese talent, expand their operations, and connect with the local business ecosystem.

Connecting BDD Companies to Business Opportunities in France and Europe

Through its network in France and Europe, CCFL will support BDD-based companies seeking to enter or expand into international markets by facilitating introductions to entrepreneurs, investors, corporates, experts, and institutions.

The collaboration will also focus on connecting French companies seeking qualified outsourcing partners or service providers with relevant businesses within BDD’s ecosystem, particularly across digital services, IT, software development, engineering, communications, and creative industries.

Beyond business introductions, the partnership will facilitate access to innovation programmes, investor opportunities, trade missions, and business-development events, including potential participation in initiatives such as VivaTech.

For French companies and Lebanese diaspora entrepreneurs looking to establish operations in Lebanon, BDD will provide access to its business ecosystem, infrastructure, and support services, including preferential terms on office spaces and business address solutions.

BDD will also facilitate access to local talent through its ecosystem and affiliated entities, including Forward MENA, while connecting companies with relevant service providers and partners to support their establishment and operations in Lebanon.

Through this partnership, BDD and CCFL aim to strengthen cross-border collaboration, encourage investment and entrepreneurship, and create sustainable employment opportunities, further positioning Lebanon as a competitive destination for business operations, outsourcing, and innovation.