Economic Bodies Meet to Discuss Lebanese Ports and Airport Development
In a recent meeting, economic bodies, spearheaded by former Minister Mohammad Choucair, convened with Minister of Public Works and Transport Faysal Rassamni to address the critical state of Lebanon’s ports and discuss strategies for future development. The discussions, attended by members of economic organizations, union leaders, and municipal heads from Akkar, centered on the challenges facing Lebanese ports, with a particular focus on the Port of Beirut.
Addressing the Port of Beirut and Cargo Clearance
A primary concern of the meeting was the issue of cargo clearance at the Port of Beirut. Participants sought to identify and implement timely solutions to streamline the process. Choucair emphasized the pressing need to resolve the cargo clearance crisis, which adversely impacts economic activity, the flow of goods, and, ultimately, citizens. He underscored the importance of modernizing Lebanese ports, especially the Port of Beirut, to restore its standing among Mediterranean ports. Furthermore, Choucair advocated for the adoption of privatization, partnerships, or modern management models to enhance the operation of public facilities in collaboration with the Lebanese private sector.
Airport Operations and Future Plans
The meeting also addressed the reopening of René Moawad Airport in Qlaiaat, highlighting its strategic national and local significance. Discussions also touched upon the potential use of the Rayak Airport for civilian purposes. Minister Rassamni expressed his commitment to resolving issues at the Port of Beirut, indicating that the appointment of a new board of directors would be a crucial step in the process. He also noted the significance of the new board at the Port of Tripoli. Rassamni highlighted his efforts to appoint professional individuals to key positions. He acknowledged the many challenges at the port but assured that solutions were being explored. Rassamni also mentioned that they have made some achievements with customs with the support of the Minister of Finance, where they were able to sign with the CMA CGM company to provide a scanner that will be ready in two weeks and will be operated and maintained by a private company that can scan every container that enters the port, and this helps us for the Lebanese industry and the Saudi market and it can pass 100 containers per hour.
René Moawad Airport and Qlaiaat
Regarding the Qlaiaat airport, Rassamni revealed that a team had inspected the road between Tripoli and Qlaiaat, with an estimated cost of $80 million for its rehabilitation. Work is underway to secure funding, with the project expected to commence within two months. Several foreign entities have expressed interest in investing in the airport. Rassamni stressed the importance of the airport for the North region and Lebanon as a whole. He stated that the Qlaiaat airport is a priority and that having a second airport in Lebanon is essential.
Rayak Airport and Future Infrastructure
Regarding the Rayak airport, he confirmed that the easiest way to solve the issues of operating public facilities and developing infrastructure is by adopting the BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) model.
The discussions between the economic bodies and Minister Rassamni reflect a concerted effort to address the challenges facing Lebanon’s infrastructure and economy, with the aim of fostering growth and stability.
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