Latest news with #Bekaa
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
The CMA CGM Foundation celebrates the graduation of the first promotion of its 'Training for the Future' program
Since 2024, the CMA CGM Foundation has been committed to helping young Lebanese build skills and find jobs through its 'Training for the Future' program. 40 young people have already completed training in energy efficiency jobs, while 175 others are currently training for careers in the maritime sector. 24 young people have just finished a one-year program in agriculture, combining theory and hands-on work to help develop a competitive and sustainable local farming sector that meets international export standards. Taanayel: To support training and job opportunities in Lebanon's agricultural sector, the CMA CGM Foundation has partnered with the NGO arcenciel, the Notre-Dame de la Consolata Technical Institute (run by the Jesuit Fathers), the agricultural company Agrotica, and Lebanon Packing House (LPH) —a state-of-the-art packing facility, which is part of CMA CGM Lebanon, that offers value and international standards to its customers. Over the past 12 months, 24 trainees from across the Bekaa region completed a practical training program with 100 days of courses, including 80 days of field work, planned around the farming seasons. Training took place mainly at the Domaine de Taanayel and in Damour, covering modern farming methods, good harvesting practices, post-harvest work, and basic farm management. Trainees worked in Agrotica's vineyard and then applied their new skills by developing a three-hectare pilot vineyard at the Domaine de Taanayel, gaining hands-on experience in real agricultural environments. They also trained at Lebanon Packing House (LPH) in Taanayel, which offers complete solutions from: quality check, sorting, packing, palletizing, cooling, conditioning to storage with a primary focus on grapes, avocados, cherries, apricots, tomatoes, apples, pears, citrus and all sort of fruits and vegetables. Its world class services help local farmers export their crops to foreign markets and enable the development of Lebanese agriculture – both locally and internationally – while creating different job opportunities in the region. CMA CGM Group's specialized fruit and vegetable packing facility, which provides Lebanese farmers with complete post-harvest support and preparation services. With growing global demand for fresh produce like table grapes and avocados — crops where Lebanon has strong potential thanks to its climate, geographical location, and farming know-how — this project helps meet two big needs: filling the shortage of skilled mid-level farm workers and improving farming practices to help local farmers compete better in export markets. Through this training, these young technicians can now take on key jobs on Lebanese farms — as team leaders, logistics coordinators, or orchard managers — bridging the gap between farm workers and agricultural engineers. This first promotion marks an important step towards building a stronger, more competitive farming sector that creates jobs and supports rural areas. This project is part of the 'Training for the Future' program launched by the CMA CGM Foundation in 2024, which also offers training in maritime jobs (mechanics, electrical work, onboard hospitality) and energy efficiency (solar systems, insulation). These programs are run with partners such as the European Institute for Cooperation and Development (IECD) and the International Maritime Academy (IMA). In total, more than 239 young Lebanese are now training in agriculture, maritime transport, and renewable energy and will receive job support through December 2025. About the CMA CGM Foundation Founded in 2005 and chaired by Tanya Saadé Zeenny, the CMA CGM Foundation is driven by responsibility, solidarity, and a spirit of action. The Foundation focuses on two main areas: humanitarian aid and access to education. In times of crisis, it uses the CMA CGM Group's maritime and logistics know-how to deliver aid where it is needed most. It also supports schooling, training, and job opportunities for young people. So far, the Foundation has shipped 38,000 tonnes of humanitarian supplies to 82 countries and supported more than 450 education projects in France, Lebanon, and worldwide. For more information: CMA CGM Foundation Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
LBCI
7 days ago
- Business
- LBCI
Zahle named ''World Wine City'' by International Vine and Wine Organization
Zahle has officially been designated a 'World Wine City' by the International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV), marking a major milestone for Lebanon's agricultural and cultural recognition. The designation took effect in April 2025, honoring Zahle's historic role in grape cultivation and winemaking. The announcement was made by Louis Lahoud, Director General of Lebanon's Ministry of Agriculture, who noted that the recognition places Lebanon prominently on the global wine map. This achievement stems from a detailed application submitted by former Zahle mayor Assaad Zgheib and Monir El Tini, head of the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture in Zahle and the Bekaa. The file highlighted the city's extensive vineyards, number of wineries, and its leadership in Lebanon's wine sector. Current mayor officially adopted the initiative, with full support from the Agriculture Minister. The OIV formally notified Lahoud of the decision, recognizing Zahle based on scientific and professional criteria. According to Lahoud, the announcement was the result of fieldwork, studies, and coordination between the ministry's technical teams and local wine producers. 'This designation not only affirms Zahle's agricultural and cultural identity,' Lahoud said, 'but also opens new prospects for Lebanon's wine industry and strengthens its standing in global vine and wine production.'
Asharq Al-Awsat
19-07-2025
- Politics
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Legal Complaints Target Hezbollah Officials in Lebanese Courts
Legal complaints are mounting against Hezbollah officials in Lebanon, accusing them of threatening national security and inciting violence against citizens, calling for the disarmament of all non-state actors, including the powerful Iran-backed group. The latest complaint was filed by Sami Gemayel, head of the Kataeb Party and an MP, against Hezbollah's deputy chief for the Bekaa region, Faisal Shukr. In the filing submitted to the Court of Cassation, Shukr is accused of 'death threats, inciting violence and sectarian strife, and endangering Lebanon's sovereignty and unity.' The complaint centers on remarks made by Shukr during a speech at a Hezbollah-organized Ashura procession in the Bekaa on July 6. 'Whoever calls for disarming the party, we will rip their soul out,' Shukr said in a video now submitted as evidence. Gemayel's legal team argued that the speech amounted to 'direct incitement to violence and civil strife,' calling for Shukr's arrest and prosecution. This is the second high-profile legal action against Hezbollah in recent days. A group of lawyers, journalists, and activists had earlier filed a complaint against Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem. The complaint cited Qassem's open declaration of support for Iran during its confrontation with the United States following the Gaza war. The plaintiffs say his statements constitute 'a direct threat to Lebanon's state policy' and 'an incitement to rebellion that endangers Lebanese lives.' While these legal actions may not advance quickly, observers say they mark a significant shift in Lebanon's political landscape. For years, few dared to challenge Hezbollah through the courts - even after the group's 2008 military takeover of parts of Beirut and a string of political assassinations targeting its critics. But the judiciary, which once routinely dismissed complaints against the group, is now formally registering them. A judicial source told Asharq Al-Awsat that while investigations depend on the strength of the evidence, claims that the judiciary is biased in favor of Hezbollah are 'not entirely accurate.' 'All serious cases are documented,' the source said. 'But summoning individuals for questioning is easier when their whereabouts are known. That's not always the case with Hezbollah officials.' Beyond high-level political disputes, a number of Lebanese citizens, particularly southerners living abroad, have begun filing lawsuits against Hezbollah for allegedly endangering civilians during the recent war. The complaints accuse the group of storing weapons under residential buildings and digging tunnels beneath homes without the owners' knowledge, which plaintiffs say turned these areas into targets for Israeli airstrikes. A legal source said many lawyers refused to take on these cases for fear of reprisals by Hezbollah supporters. 'Some plaintiffs were attacked simply for inspecting the ruins of their homes,' the source said, adding that business owners also claimed their shops were looted during the conflict and blamed Hezbollah for failing to protect property in areas under its control. However, the judiciary has not yet launched formal investigations into these complaints. The legal source acknowledged that lawsuits filed against Hezbollah as an organization, without naming specific individuals, make it harder for courts to initiate proceedings. The growing number of complaints reflects what some legal experts call a historic shift. Political activist and lawyer Elie Kairouz said the public is beginning to shed its fear of challenging Hezbollah, as the party's once-firm grip on the state, security agencies, and judiciary weakens. 'The old consensus that the army, people, and resistance form Lebanon's defense doctrine is gone,' Kairouz told Asharq Al-Awsat. 'Today, the government is calling for exclusive state control over weapons and is working to enforce that.' He said Hezbollah's narrative of defending Lebanon and deterring Israel has lost traction along with the reverence once attached to its weapons. 'The real turning point,' he said, 'will be when courts stop merely registering these lawsuits and begin issuing rulings. Only then can Lebanese citizens be truly protected.'
LBCI
15-07-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Israeli airstrikes kill 12 in Lebanon's Bekaa, including Syrian refugees
Lebanon's National News Agency (NNA) reported that Israeli warplanes launched airstrikes on the Wadi Faara area in northern Bekaa on Tuesday, with one of the raids targeting a Syrian refugee camp. At least 12 people were killed in the attack, including seven Syrian nationals, while eight others were wounded.
LBCI
15-07-2025
- LBCI
Inside Lebanon's biggest drug lab: Lebanese Army tightens grip on Bekaa drug lords
Report by Edmond Sassine, English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi Lebanese Army Intelligence has dismantled what is described as the largest drug manufacturing facility uncovered to date in the Bekaa region, operated by one of the most notorious narcotics traffickers in Lebanon and the Middle East. The operation, conducted in the town of Yammouneh, revealed a sprawling underground drug lab outfitted with hidden tunnels, camouflaged walls, and high-tech equipment. The drug dealer, identified as Jalal Sh., whose criminal career began in 2010 in Beirut, first entered the drug world by importing raw materials and specialized equipment for captagon production, which he then sold to major manufacturers. He later moved his operations to Yammouneh, where he established his own production network. Security officials say he recently monopolized the production of crystal captagon in Lebanon, employing a network of individuals from multiple nationalities—including a European expert wanted by Interpol — to oversee the complex chemical processes. Over the years, the military has raided several of his facilities, seizing large quantities of drugs, machinery, and precursor chemicals. Despite an intensified crackdown on the drug trade, Jalal remained one of the few high-profile traffickers able to maintain operations, partly due to his advanced manufacturing capabilities and his role in supplying pills to other dealers for $1,000 per crate. Security agencies have linked Jalal to several wanted narcotics traffickers, including Ali and Hassan Sh., Hamza and Mohammad Jaafar, and Malek A. His network was behind numerous professionally concealed shipments of drugs intercepted before reaching international markets. Monday's raid marks a significant blow to Lebanon's narcotics underworld. The Lebanese Armed Forces and Army Intelligence have vowed to continue their campaign against drug manufacturing and smuggling networks. In 2025 alone, they have uncovered 20 drug labs and seized more than 13,300 kilograms of captagon pills.
