Glass industry declining because of illegal competition

In its edition of today, As Safir daily devoted a feature highlighting a waning glass craft, particularly in Al Badawi region, as a result of the absence of government support of this domestic industry. Expounding on the subject, As Safir drew attention to the substantial decline in the artisan industry which saw the closure of two factories in the face of illegal competition from neighbouring Syria. One glass factory, the newspaper reported, still stands resilient with minimum survival skills and a sharp deficit suffered by its owners who urged officials for support to protect the trade that represents a major source of livelihood for tens of families. As Safir interviewed the owner of the above factory in Al Badawi area, Abdel Hamid Qubeitri, who complained that the profession, is largely abandoned and forsaken here. We went on to say that the competing industry is subsidized and protected by the government in Syria. He also decried the high operational costs of electricity and industrial diesel, which together with illegal competition is prompting Lebanese businesses to close.

As Safir, May 5, 2016