In a significant stride towards advancing Lebanon’s position in the global agri-food innovation landscape, QOOT Cluster and the Faculty of Agronomy at the Lebanese University have inked a pivotal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The formal agreement, signed under the patronage of Lebanese University President Prof. Bassam Badran, marks a commitment to bridge agri-food economic players with researchers and scientists.
The signing ceremony, held at the Lebanese University Central Administration Building – Museum, saw Prof. Nadine Nassif, Dean of the Faculty of Agronomy, representing the university, and Ms. Nadine Khoury, President of QOOT Cluster, representing the renowned agri-food organization.
Present at the ceremony were key figures including QOOT Manager Dr. Marc Abou Zeidan, QOOT board member Mr. Nabil Shouman, and members of the Faculty of Agronomy Council along with university administrators.
“As the QOOT Cluster Manager, I am truly excited to embrace this initiative as a challenge. It carries a noble mission of advancing the agriculture and agrifood sectors, aligning perfectly with our commitment to driving positive change and innovation in Lebanon’s agri-food landscape.”
Dr. Marc Bou Zeidan, QOOT Cluster Manager
Prof. Lamis Chalak set the tone with a welcoming speech, highlighting QOOT’s role as a leading agri-food cluster in Lebanon. She emphasized QOOT’s distinction as a community comprising entrepreneurs, SMEs, multinational companies, knowledge providers, and funding entities, all working collaboratively to position Lebanon as a dynamic force in the world of agri-food innovation and trade.
Ms. Nadine Khoury, President of QOOT Cluster, expressed QOOT’s keen interest in bolstering collaboration and partnership with the Lebanese University. She underscored the university’s pivotal role in developing and enabling the capacities of current and future agri-food players.
Prof. Nadine Nassif, Dean of the Faculty of Agronomy, highlighted the significance of the MoU in shaping collaboration between the two entities. The agreement aims to involve both students and researchers in the technological development of agri-food production, aligning universities with the evolving role in building the most advanced economies.
This collaboration signifies a strategic alliance between QOOT Cluster, a powerhouse in the agri-food industry, and the Lebanese University Faculty of Agronomy, a prominent academic institution. Together, they aim to drive innovation, empower students, and contribute to the dynamic evolution of Lebanon’s agri-food sector. This partnership exemplifies the shared commitment to harnessing research, knowledge, and entrepreneurship for a sustainable and thriving agri-food ecosystem in Lebanon.
