Economy Minister Visits Sidon: We Appreciate the Municipality's Great Efforts

Minister of Economy and Trade Amer Bsat visited Sidon, starting his tour with a meeting at the municipality building with Sidon Mayor Engineer Mustafa Hijazi. This visit was part of a series of activities conducted by Minister Bsat in the city.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Mayor Dr. Ahmad Okra and municipal council members: Anji Atrouni, Majed Abdel Jawad, Youssef Tamaa, Hassan Zaatri, and Ahmad Shuaib, along with the mayor's advisor Wafa Shuaib, and the head of the Sidon office of the General Security, Captain Ahmad Hussein.

During the meeting, the economic future of Sidon and its sustainable development paths were discussed within strategic axes such as the development of the Port of Sidon, emphasizing its importance as an economic and developmental lever for the city and the entire region. The topic of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) was also addressed, exploring promising investment opportunities in Sidon and facilitating procedures and laws conducive to developing infrastructure and stimulating urban and investment activity. Additionally, the issue of modifying the Arab Highway project, whose plan passes through the city, and its effectiveness after decades since the initial plan were raised.

Ahmad Shuaib, head of the "Generator Sector Organization Committee," presented the reality of the sector in the city and the municipality's field supervisory role, confirming that "the Municipality of Sidon is close to achieving full compliance with the issued tariff, after which the second phase will begin, namely the comprehensive organization of the sector in various neighborhoods of the city." Shuaib thanked Minister Bsat for "his support through continued coordination and comprehensive cooperation with the Ministry of Economy's department in the South, the judiciary, and security agencies, especially the General Security."

For her part, the mayor's advisor Wafa Shuaib presented the "preparatory works for the events of 'Sidon as a Mediterranean Capital of Culture and Dialogue for 2027'," reviewing ongoing preparations and executive plans in cooperation with international and local institutions to highlight the civilized and inclusive face of the city.

Hijazi

Following the meeting, Minister Dr. Amer Bsat and Engineer Mustafa Hijazi held a press conference. Hijazi welcomed Minister Bsat to his city of Sidon, noting that "this visit carries a clear message of support from the Lebanese government to the city, which has suffered significant pressures and exceptional challenges during the past period." He affirmed that "the meeting was fruitful and addressed cooperation to enhance investment and develop the port through the formation of a board of directors that sets a Master Plan for the area, alongside supporting the municipality in controlling generator tariffs and following up on strategic plans in cooperation with academic and international partners so that Sidon becomes a distinctive model in the coming phase."

Bsat

In turn, Bsat praised "the national and historical role of the city of Sidon and its steadfastness," confirming "state leadership directives to stand by it." He clarified that "the ministry has three main priorities in cooperation with the municipality: reactivating the port and appointing a new board of directors for it in the near term, reviving the role of Old Sidon as a tourist, cultural, and social destination, and supporting the business, innovation, and private sectors in the city." He commended "the great and tremendous efforts made by the municipality in addressing files and daily services despite difficult economic conditions, such as the generator tariff file, waste, traffic, and roads issues," saying, "We are here to stand with them and help in any possible way."