Launch of the first employment fair in Akkar amidst a high unemployment rate of 35%

The Development and Welfare Forum Association organised in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture in Tripoli and the North and the Municipality of Halba, the first employment fair in Akkar.  The event was held last week end with the participation of numerous businesses and companies of the North and Akkar and a high turnover of visitors amongst job seeking youth.  The event was organised despite the general feeling of insecurity in that area, and amidst worsening economic conditions which have resulted in a high unemployment rate in Akkar of 35% and in some 65% of the local population living in poverty.

Some 16 exhibiting companies participated in the fair in addition to local committees and associations involved in development projects in Akkar.  The event scored some 600 visitors, most of whom were young people who completed application forms and submitted their CVs. According to the president of the Development and Welfare Forum Association Mr.Zeid Hamzeh, the event constitute a bridge between employers and prospective job seeking university graduates as proven by the fact that 250 job applications were accepted He also noted that requests were made for 30 employment posts for Gulf countries, a similar number for Africa and another 40 for the local job market in Akkar.  The general secretary of the Federation of CCIA in Lebanon, and the head of the Tripoli Chamber of Commerce Toufic Dabbousi praised the efforts extended by the organisers, adding that the fair can provide opportunities for hundreds of university graduates from private and public universities, encourage investments in agriculture, food processing as well as in other economic sectors that are important for Akkar and the North, and noting that the 2 regions enjoy a large supply of labor and of well educated workers.  He, furthermore, called for the elaboration of plans that will aim at improving local economies, studying local markets and developing training programmes that will upgrade local skills and knowledge.  He concluded by adding that the Chamber will always remain at the service of the people of Akkar and the North.
Source: Al-Safir, Al-Mustaqbal 23 September 2013