New industrial zone in Baalbek-Hermel to promote employment and protect the environment

L’Orient Le Jour reported on Wednesday that plans are ahead to set up a new industrial zone in Baalbaq– Hermel.  The idea which saw the light back in 1980 aims is to strengthen the region’s economy especially with the impact of the Syrian displacement on the local economy.  The Ministry of Industry recently commissioned a feasibility study of the project which will be implemented in the neighborhood of the Baalbaq municipality.  Based on the results of this study, the Municipality will offer a piece of land of 500000 square meters to set up the project.

Despite difficulties in accurately estimating the cost of this project in its current phase, it is thought to be anywhere between USD 7 to 8 million.  The sources of funding have yet to be determined; however, the head of the Baalbaq municipality, Hamad Hassan, noted that grants may be made available by the European Union and the Italian cooperation through the Lebanese government and the CDR.

According to Hassan, the project essentially seeks to set up a competitive zone such as in terms of lease costs and so as to attract employment generating and economy boosting investments, adding that roads leading to this area have already been rehabilitated.  Hassan reiterated that the industrial zone should be equipped in such a way that encourages industrialists to rent land regardless of the nature of the industry be it food, metallurgy, textile, cars, construction material, etc…  Hassan further added that concentrating medium sized industries in one area is also likely to decrease complaints from inhabitants in terms of noise and environmental pollution.  He also said that small industries such as car repair shops, carpentries and others cannot remain in residential areas and should move to industrial zones  It is also to be noted that the project also entails the creation of waste processing centers for the purpose of generating energy.

(Source: L’Orient le Jour 22 April, 2015)