Summary

The Chamber of Commerce in Sidon hosted a major meeting with Economy Minister Amer Al-Bsat to discuss supporting southern Lebanon’s productive sectors, which have been heavily impacted by Israeli aggression. The minister emphasized that reviving the southern economy is vital to Lebanon’s overall recovery and pledged cooperation to strengthen industry, agriculture, and trade.

Description

The Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture in Sidon and the South organized a large and well-attended meeting at its headquarters in Sidon with the Minister of Economy and Trade, Amer Al-Bsat, as part of his visit to the South and Nabatieh governorates.

Minister Al-Bsat stated, “The revival of the southern economy means the revival of the Lebanese economy; we are here to work together in a spirit of cooperation.” Chamber President Mohammad Saleh emphasized that Israeli violations in the South have severely harmed factories and productive institutions, many of which have been destroyed or forced to close.

The meeting was attended by Minister Al-Bsat, President Saleh, members of the Chamber’s board, Director General of the Ministry of Economy Mohammad Abu Haidar, President of the Sidon Traders Association Ali Al-Sharif, Deputy Mayor of Sidon Dr. Ahmad Akkari, members of municipal councils from Nabatieh and the South, as well as a large number of representatives from productive sectors and economic stakeholders.

In his speech, Saleh welcomed the minister and highlighted the Chamber’s appreciation for government efforts to engage with economic bodies and understand the reality of Lebanon’s commercial and industrial institutions. He reiterated the importance of revitalizing the productive sectors, especially in Sidon and the South, given the damage caused by repeated Israeli aggressions. He also called for practical measures to support small and medium enterprises, particularly those affected by the attacks, including tax exemptions and improving the legislative and administrative environment to enhance exports, investment, and innovation.

Minister Al-Bsat thanked the Chamber for its hospitality, reaffirming that Sidon, Tyre, and the entire South are deeply important to the government. He explained that the South historically contributes 30% of the national GDP through agriculture, industry, tourism, and trade, and thus deserves focused attention. He emphasized that a strong southern economy leads to a strong Lebanese economy.

The meeting addressed the major challenges facing the industrial and productive sectors in the region, discussed financial and administrative support for affected factories—especially dairy producers—and explored ways to utilize space at the new Sidon port for future economic projects.

The event concluded with a luncheon hosted by President Saleh in honor of Minister Al-Bsat and the attendees.

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