Episode 2. July 15th 2025
In episode 2 of The Future of Responsible Trade,’ FTAANZ features two inspirational business leaders from Lebanon and Palestine who are leading the way in creating fairer, more sustainable businesses. In conversation with Susanna Bevilacqua, Chair of FTAANZ, we explore the future of responsible trade in a tough global market.
Our two guests are:
Basma Barham: Basma Barham is the International Public Relations representative for the Holy Land Handicraft Cooperative Society (HLHCS). Originally from Beit Sahour, a historic Palestinian city in Bethlehem, she spent her early years in Lima, Peru, where she pursued her education. After marrying, she returned to Beit Sahour and worked in the private sector for 17 years before dedicating herself to the development of Palestine’s handicraft industry.
Driven by a passion for preserving Palestinian craftsmanship, Basma joined HLHCS to help artisans thrive despite economic and political challenges. She actively promotes Fair Trade principles, advocating for ethical labor practices, gender equality, and sustainable economic opportunities. In 2012, she served as Chair for Africa and the Middle East on the WFTO Board, proudly amplifying the role of Palestinian women in global trade.
Her work is rooted in the belief that Fair Trade can provide artisans with dignity, stability, and a future in their homeland.
Dayana Rahmeh: Sales and Operations Manager at Fair Trade and Tourism Lebanon (FTTL), a social enterprise under the umbrella of Fair Trade Lebanon NGO. Dayana oversees all client communications, order management, pricing, procurement, production coordination, and export logistics. With a strong background in supply chain and market development, she plays a key role in connecting rural producers with international markets, especially during Lebanon’s ongoing economic crisis. Dayana is passionate about women’s empowerment and is deeply involved in training and mentoring small-scale producers to improve product quality, fair pricing, and market reach.
You can watch the entire interview: “The Future of Responsible Trade series: Episode 2”
