The vice president of the Lebanese Industrialists Association (LIA), Ziad Bekdash, said that despite severe disruptions caused by the massive blast of August 4, exports of industrial goods through Beirut port is picking up pace with nearly 90% of these goods on their way to export markets. Bekdash went on to explain that the resumption of the exports was the outcome of efforts by Lebanese Army and port authorities which enabled the clearing of vast areas of the Beirut port. In a similar vain, Bekdash denied that exports are transiting overland via Syria due to the high costs and tariffs currently imposed by Damascus. (Diyar, August 29, 2020)