Ambitious proposals to integrate Beqaa in Syria reconstruction map

The director general of the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture in Zahleh and the Beqaa, Youssef Geha , proposed the establishment of a fully equipped and autonomous ‘dry port’ that takes care of the involved customs, storage, recruitment, shipment and reshipment procedures. The suggested facility will be a prop to the other Lebanese ports, Geha said, naming the neighborhoods of Zahleh, Taanayel and Hawsh Zahleh as feasible potential locations. He also proposed setting up three free economic zones in Central Beqaa, Baalbaq, Hermel and West Beqaa respectively. On the subject, Al Diyar newspaper considered that these proposals reflect the developments the Bekaa region will witness in the wake of an end to the Syrian crisis, especially with talks underway of reconstruction of the war-devastated country, at an estimated cost of USD 400 billion. The rebuilding activity, the newspaper wrote, will be conceivable only through the Lebanese ports that, as they cannot accommodate the anticipated loads, will have to use the Beqaa region en route to Syria. On commending the Beqaa as a site for the ‘dry port’, Jiha said the area boasts distinctive natural resources, location and space. It constitutes 42% of the surface area of Lebanon, is just 17 minutes ride from Beirut (thru the Arab freeway), and is located in the middle of the road between Beirut and Damascus. Jihad maintained that connecting the Beqaa to Beirut is of high importance to the national economy, and advised linking it through a fast environment-friendly highway with a side rail track for transportation. In conclusion, Geha mentioned obstacles in funding as the infrastructure of a sophisticated railway is very costly, suggesting turning to the EU which can also benefit from the transport of its exports to the markets in the Arab region in a fast and cost-effective way. On the proposed economic zones, Geha recommended linking the zones through a modern road network, a railway and electric tram system, which, he said, will turn the Beqaa into a development and economic pivot that helps alleviate the capital’s belts of misery and boost youth steadfastness to their land, while creating new jobs and capable workforce. For more on the subject, visit the link below: http://bit.ly/2j3tniH. (Al Diyar, December 29, 2016)