News updates

One month after the launch of the government subsidized ‘sea bridge’ system to transport Lebanese agricultural and industrial products to the GCC countries and Jordan, the export activity has seen a big leap, notwithstanding the need for additional container vessels to cope with the increasing demand on local goods, Al Mustaqbal daily reported yesterday. In this respect, the chief of the Investment Development Authority of Lebanon (IDAL), Nabil Itani, told the newspaper that the export bustle has “regained its momentum recorded in previous years,” adding that most of the exported items are agricultural, with 90% headed to the Saudi Port of Dabba, and 10% to Aqaba in Jordan. Itani pointed out that while the number of truck-loaded ships  “has risen from one to three carriers, there is a need for two more to handle the rising demand on the services provided as per the ‘sea bridge’ settlement”. (Al Mustaqbal, November 4, 2015)

 

In its continuous coverage of the difficult conditions of farmers, As Safir daily reported that olive season this year varied in the cost and size of production from one region to another. While the areas of Iqlim al Toufah and Hasbaya enjoyed a favorable harvest, Nabatieh and parts of Batroun and Koura had a bad one, the newspaper said. The common feature among all olive plantations however is the abandonment by the authorities of this agriculture and the absence of proper extension assistance prior to, during and after the farming season, in addition to the emerging marketing crisis which equally knocked  the different agricultural products. The olive tree has become a burden for many farmers because it needs longer time to bear fruit and start giving. This, the newspaper went on to say, has prompted olive growers to cut the trees and lease the orchards to real estate investors. Moreover, other farmers chose to substitute the olives for other crops that can sustain the changing weather conditions and provide a decent livelihood for their families.

Speaking to a number of farmers in different regions across Lebanon, As Safir noted a bleak olive season in the Central Koura area, particularly with the outbreak of a deadly disease, peacock spot or olive leaf spot. “The olive agriculture in this area is a declared disaster,” said the head of the Federation of Koura Municipalities, Karim Bou Karim, who added that the local municipalities did not receive the promised fertilizers to be distributed to olive growers.

As Safir, Al Mustaqbal, Daily Star, October 27 & 28, 2015

 

 

 

 

Under the patronage of the industry minister and in collaboration with the EU Mission and the German Agency for International Cooperation, the Ministry of Industry organized last Thursday a workshop on ‘institutionalizing dialogue between the private and public sectors for the development of industrial exports in the IT, technology and aromatic herbs industries’. The workshop comes as part of a larger partnership initiative between the European Union and 10 Southern Mediterranean countries to promote the business environment in the said region. Minister Hussein Haj Hassan pointed out that dialogue between the private and public sectors has always been there but not enthusing. He referred to internal hurdles preventing industrial growth and forcing the young generation to emigrate seeking a decent life and better working conditions. One of these hurdles he said is the lack of political conviction in the vitality of the productive sectors and their anticipated role in the expansion of domestic economy and the creation of jobs, in addition to reinstating social justice and boosting the resilience and steadfastness of inhabitants of rural areas. Dr. Haj Hassan maintained that “the industrial sector boasts international standards but needs further improvement to reach excellency”. For his part, the President of the Lebanese Industrialists Association, Fadi Gemayel, noted “an absence of a strategic state policy that supports local industry,” pointing at the same time to the presence of a remarkable industrial bustle  abroad which again proves the vigor of the sector.   (Al Mustaqbal, Al Diyar, October 30, 2015)

The Ribat Charity Association in the northern Baddaoui-Menyeh area, in cooperation with the local municipality, organized yesterday its second food fair with the theme ‘aklna shighl idna’ (the food we make) in the presence of a crowd of enthusiasts. The exhibition showcased a collection of homemade jams, Arabic sweet delicacies, pickles, juices and other varieties of the old traditional cuisine. On the occasion, Ribat president Roula Ghamrawi explained the purpose of the exhibition which is to inspire women to work and produce from their homes. Likewise, Baddaoui mayor, Hassan Ghamrawi, said the activity is an opportunity for local women to display their creations. )Al Mustaqbal, November 2, 2015(