Three new industrial zones to boost investments and employment

The Lebanese Prime Minister, Tammam Salam, sponsored yesterday the launching ceremony of the initial studies project introducing three new industrial zones into the country. The PM said that such undertakings will be pioneers in their adoption of high-end industrial specifications in a sector that has long been ignored. “Industry in Lebanon is a basic pillar of economic growth,” Salam added. Similarly, the Industry ministry, Hussein Haj Hassan, maintained that the launching of new zones helps in evading unwanted problems currently in place. They also achieve several desired goals like for example: a demonstrated competence of the Ministry of Industry in management of the zones in line with relevant laws; growth of national economy; better regulating of the industrial sector; introducing new areas for industrial investment at economical prices; provision of various production inputs, including electricity at reduced costs, mainly through the use of renewable and alternative energy sources; the development of rural and remote areas through the creation of thousands of jobs that keep the Lebanese steadfast on their land. On this occasion, Italian Ambassador, Massimo Maroti, noted that ‘the development of industrial zones in Lebanon’ initiative comes as part of a UNIDO program funded by a 500 thousand euro Italian grant. He made clear that such an initiative “shall contribute to the study required to assess the industrial development capabilities of the three regions, Baalbek and Terbol, in Beqaa and Joon in Mount Lebanon”. In conclusion, Fadi Gemayel, head of the Lebanese Industrialists Association, underlined the importance of setting up such zones in suitable areas as they will boost the economic presence of these areas through the provision of jobs and the possible the opening of technical institutes to fill the new needs for skilled laborers. This, he said, may also be coupled with the setting up of touristic ventures, recreational and residential spaces as well as hospitals. (As Safir, An Nahar, Al Diyar, Al Mustaqbal, January 27, 2016)