The economic bodies, headed by former Minister Mohamed Choucair, held a meeting on Tuesday at the Beirut and Mount Lebanon Chamber of Commerce with a delegation from the World Bank. The delegation included transport expert Mira Mourad, transport specialist Ghail Samaha, economic expert Claude Paysek, as well as representatives from Rafiq Khoury & Partners, Rami Khoury, and Sandy el-Bassbi. Choucair emphasized the "necessity of having a clear and long-term strategy for maritime transport in Lebanon, given Lebanon's pivotal role in these operations and its important geographical position." At the same time, he stressed the "need to expedite the reconstruction and development of the Port of Beirut, to meet the needs of Lebanon, Beirut, and the Lebanese private sector, as well as the port's significant role in economic activity and maritime and transit operations," relying on the collaboration between the private sector and the World Bank to accomplish this plan.
For its part, the World Bank delegation presented project recommendations on the future master plan for the Port of Beirut, noting that this meeting represents "a very important opportunity to exchange ideas on the possible options for the development and reconstruction of the Port of Beirut, as well as to encourage the private sector to participate in this process, to ensure that the port plays a central role in Lebanon's recovery and revival." It was agreed to hold meetings with the private sector and relevant parties to follow up on this matter.
