Rasamni Discusses Strengthening Lebanon's Regional Integration via Transport and Energy Sectors with World Bank

Minister of Public Works and Transport Faiz Rasamni chaired a meeting with a delegation from the World Bank Group, including its Country Director for Lebanon Enrique Blanco Armas and the bank's working team. The meeting was attended by Advisor to the Prime Minister Dr. Sate Al-Arnaout, Director General of Land and Maritime Transport Commodore Mazen Basbous, Chairman and Director General of the Railway and Joint Transport Authority Ziad Chea, Chairman and Director General of Beirut Port Marwan Al-Nafi, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Tripoli Port Investment Authority Dr. Iskander Costi Bandeli.

The meeting was dedicated to reviewing the progress made in preparing the study titled "Lebanon as a Gateway for Regional Integration: Pathways to Enhance Regional Connectivity," undertaken by the World Bank. The study aims to assess opportunities to strengthen Lebanon's regional connectivity in the transport, trade, and energy sectors, and to identify priority reforms and investments to develop infrastructure and enhance integration with regional transport networks and markets.

The presentation addressed opportunities and challenges related to enhancing regional connectivity, the potential for private sector involvement and mobilizing necessary financing, along with proposed directions for developing a phased roadmap that includes priority reforms, investment projects, and their financing options.

Discussions also covered the importance of developing transport networks and logistics services, and strengthening the role of the ports of Beirut and Tripoli in connecting Lebanon to regional trade corridors, thereby leveraging its strategic geographical location and supporting economic recovery and growth opportunities.

Rasamni also met with a delegation comprising the mayors of Tripoli and Rasmaka, and the Dean of Engineers in the North, Engineer Shawqi Fattaf.

The meeting discussed developmental and service issues, the needs of the city of Tripoli and relevant areas, and ways to improve services and develop infrastructure there.