The Kuwaiti government has expressed its readiness to fund the construction of new silos at the Port of Beirut with an amount of $40 million. Minister of Transport and Public Works Ali Hamieh announced, "We have prepared the terms of reference to launch an international tender for the construction of silos at the Port of Tripoli. As for the Bekaa region, the matter is under consideration because it is an area for grain cultivation, and silos must be established."
Prime Minister Najib Mikati met with Hamieh, and the discussion focused on the Port of Beirut and other Lebanese ports and the airport to assess their conditions over the past four months and the projects implemented within these facilities. Hamieh stated, "We addressed the issue of silos, and the president's goal is to have silos at the ports of Beirut and Tripoli and even in the Bekaa, in order to maintain food security. In case of any event in the country, food security must be stable from Tripoli to the Bekaa, Beirut, and all regions."
The meeting also covered the administrative offices and security agency offices, including customs, general security, and intelligence at the Port of Beirut, where about seven personnel are present at each office. Hamieh said, "We will meet with representatives of the security agencies and the management of the Port of Beirut to evaluate the situation regarding the personnel and security forces present on the ground, and to secure the necessary funds for maintenance and certain constructions to activate operations at the Port of Beirut."
Regarding Beirut Airport, Hamieh informed Prime Minister Mikati about the tender for the airport parking that accommodates 2,200 cars, with bids to be opened on March 22. He also notified him that they have sent a tender for restaurants inside the airport. The discussion also touched on the subject of borders and monitoring the export of Lebanese goods to all countries, including Gulf countries. This topic has been prioritized to secure scanners for the ports involved in exports, as this will stimulate the economy within the country and enable the resumption of Lebanese exports to their previous levels.
