Latest news with #JoeFarchakh
Web Release
29-05-2025
- Business
- Web Release
Tripoli Chamber of Commerce and BIAT Celebrate the Launch of the Agri-Agro 360 Project
The Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture of Tripoli and the North (CCIAT), in collaboration with Business Incubation Association in Tripoli (BIAT), has launched the Agri-Agro 360 Project, designed to support small and medium enterprises, startups, farmers, cooperatives, entrepreneurs, youth, and innovators in the field of agricultural technology. This ambitious initiative responds to the growing challenges facing the agriculture and agri-food sectors in a rapidly evolving world. It serves as a bridge between agricultural traditions and modern innovation, empowering agricultural entrepreneurs to grow and sustain their projects. The project aims to provide tailored technical and administrative support to agricultural and agri-food initiatives, enhance resilience and growth potential, and contribute to the development of the agricultural sector in Akkar and Northern Lebanon—ultimately making a positive impact on the Lebanese economy. The launch event was held in the grand hall of the Tripoli Chamber, in the presence of parliamentary, ministerial, diplomatic, economic, and union figures, as well as mayors, businesspeople, and a large crowd of interested attendees. The ceremony opened with the Lebanese national anthem, followed by welcoming remarks from media host Joe Farchakh. Chamber President Toufic Dabboussi then delivered a speech, stating: 'It brings me great joy to join you today to launch the Agri-Agro 360 Program, a pioneering project that reflects our shared commitment—as the Chamber of Tripoli and the North—to Lebanon and to agriculture as a vital driver of economic growth and sustainable development. He added: 'This program is more than a collaboration between two institutions—it is a synergy of vision and capabilities, of ambition and execution. Agri-Agro 360 is a fully integrated platform for nurturing innovative agricultural ideas and providing farmers, innovators, and entrepreneurs with comprehensive support—from training and development to marketing and export. We believe that the Lebanese agricultural sector needs only trust, support, and smart investment to thrive. Today, we take a concrete step toward that vision, hoping this program will be a true turning point that restores agriculture's standing and reinforces the farmer's role in building a productive and self-reliant economy.' He concluded: 'I thank the dedicated teams at the Tripoli Chamber and BIAT, and everyone who helped bring this project to life. Together, we plant the seeds of the future—and together, we reap hope and progress.' Nasri Mouawad, Chairman of BIAT, also spoke, emphasizing the project's significance: 'As of 2023, agriculture contributes only 1.09% to Lebanon's GDP—down from 12% in 1995. These numbers alone highlight the immense work that lies ahead. We believe in local talent and in supporting the economies of remote regions—this is exactly the role this program aims to fulfill.' Following the speeches, the Chamber's Director General Ms. Linda Sultan presented a detailed overview of the project, including its benefits and how to register for its various programs and services. After a short break, a panel discussion titled The Agricultural and Agri-Food Sectors: Challenges, Strengths, and Weaknesses was held, moderated by Joe Farchakh. Panelists included food industry expert Dr. Bachar Berrou, Ms. Nadine Khoury representing Quinta Group, Dr. Roberta Ballaa from the Agriculture Department at the University of Balamand, and Dr. Khaled Al-Omari, Director of the Quality Control Laboratories at the Tripoli Chamber. The second session, titled Success Stories and New Scientific Agricultural Approaches, featured several distinguished speakers: Dr. Antoine Daccache, founder of Agrinnovation; Engineer Charbel Abou Jaoudeh, a leading figure in olive oil production; Ms. Sarah Harb, entrepreneur and founder of Bionord; and Dr. Charbel Tawk, agricultural engineer.
LBCI
16-04-2025
- Business
- LBCI
‘New face' for Lebanon: Beirut airport road revamp targets infrastructure and political banners
Report by Joe Farchakh, English adaptation by Karine Keuchkerian Welcome to Beirut's Rafic Hariri International Airport — the gateway to Lebanon and the first impression for every visitor. What lingers with travelers on the ride from the airport to the capital? Traffic, disorder, and visual clutter. But that reality is beginning to change. The airport road is no longer just a route between the airport and the capital, Beirut — it is also a political and cultural showcase of the country. In a clear message to the international community, tourists, and Lebanese expatriates, authorities have launched a plan to rehabilitate the airport road. The effort is expected to extend to other areas as well. The project goes beyond basic repaving. It includes road resurfacing, replacing damaged sidewalks, installing protective side barriers, upgrading and maintaining traffic signals, removing visually disruptive billboards, improving street lighting and landscaping, restoring stormwater drainage systems, and installing new ventilation fans in the tunnels leading to the airport. The rehabilitation project is part of a broader vision to transform Beirut into a city free of sectarian, political, and partisan slogans. In both directions, the Interior Ministry has begun implementing this plan along the road from downtown Beirut to the Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium area. Through its ministries, departments, and agencies, the government has committed to the rehabilitation effort in partnership with the private sector, particularly Middle East Airlines, Lebanon's national carrier, which is assisting with work on the airport road. But, as always, the real test lies in execution.
LBCI
03-04-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Council for Development and Reconstruction: Lebanon's rebuilding efforts and the rise of unchecked power
Report by Joe Farchakh, English adaptation by Karine Keuchkerian In 1977, after the "Two-Year War" and the devastation it left behind, the Council for Development and Reconstruction (CDR) was established to replace the then-Ministry of General Planning. This decision followed a demand from the Arab community at the time for a single entity to handle the planning, funding, and implementation of projects. The goal was to rebuild Lebanon with an independent developmental plan through an institution that was not politically beholden and free from the interests of the political class. According to its founding decree, the CDR was tasked with establishing a work plan, formulating a basic framework, setting a timeline for reconstruction, and designing and planning projects. It was also responsible for securing funding for proposed projects, attracting loans from international donors, and managing these funds to finance the projects. Additionally, the CDR was charged with implementing the projects. The council began executing major projects, from planning to funding and implementation. Its powers rapidly grew unchecked, particularly during the tenure of former Prime Minister Rafic Hariri, as the council operated without significant government oversight. The CDR is not accountable to the prime minister but to the Cabinet, which exposes it to political maneuvering that disrupts its work through the vetoes of politicians—referred to as "cheese eaters" by former President Fouad Chehab—who sought to carve out portions for themselves from state projects. As the issues mounted, so did suspicions. The appointment of a new president and members for the CDR is, first and foremost, an international demand, following the massive waste and corruption in the management of aid funds after the 2006 July war. However, these new appointments are not sufficient to activate the CDR's work; there must also be enhanced oversight through the Parliament, the Court of Audit, and the Central Inspection Authority, which has not occurred since the 1990s. So, will the experience of 1977 repeat itself in 2025, with the responsibility for planning, funding, and implementing reconstruction projects concentrated in one entity?
LBCI
31-03-2025
- Business
- LBCI
Lebanon's reconstruction delays: Key appointments and IMF talks loom
Report by Joe Farchakh, English adaptation by Mariella Succar As the spring meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approach in April, Lebanon's reconstruction process is again in the spotlight. The appointment of a new board for the Council for Development and Reconstruction (CDR) is one of the international community's key reform demands, along with other reforms such as amendments to the banking secrecy law, the restructuring of banks, and more. The new CDR board is central to funding the reconstruction process due to its pivotal role in receiving aid and implementing projects. The criteria of competence and integrity remain essential in selecting candidates for these positions. However, according to LBCI sources, agreement on the new appointments has not been reached yet. The international community focuses on the post-2006 reconstruction experience, which various domestic and international stakeholders influenced. This context shaped the firm stance taken by U.S. Deputy Envoy Morgan Ortagus on the matter. Reconstruction in Lebanon has always been a contentious issue involving both official and unofficial entities, each with its own funding channels and operational mechanisms. In 2006, Hezbollah's Jihad al-Binaa organization, which receives direct support from external sources, took the lead in rebuilding homes and infrastructure in Hezbollah-controlled areas. In addition to Jihad al-Binaa, reconstruction projects were distributed between the Council for Development and Reconstruction, which serves as the official channel for foreign aid and development loans, the Higher Relief Committee, which manages emergency crises and compensation, and the Council for South Lebanon, which is directly funded by the Lebanese government and focuses on southern areas affected by the conflict. This division of donors and implementing entities, combined with a lack of transparency in funding and expenditure mechanisms, has made the reconstruction process a part of Lebanon's complex political landscape and a key concern for the international community. There are fears that reconstruction funds may be diverted toward rebuilding the military infrastructure of Hezbollah, such as tunnels. As a result, the reconstruction file remains frozen until a new CDR board is appointed that meets standards of integrity and competence. This step is seen as an indication of Lebanon's good faith toward the international community ahead of the upcoming IMF meetings.
LBCI
31-03-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
US remarks on Lebanon's ceasefire violation and Israeli tensions raise questions: aimed at Lebanon or France?
Report by Joe Farchakh, English adaptation by Karine Keuchkerian After the Lebanese-French talks in Paris, two key U.S. positions emerged. The first position came from Deputy Special Envoy for the Middle East, Morgan Ortagus, who said Lebanon violated the ceasefire agreement. She called on the Lebanese government to rein in the "terrorist groups" launching rockets, adding that the Lebanese army, which receives U.S. support, is not doing enough to confront them. The second position came from Republican Party member Tom Harb in an interview. Are these U.S. remarks aimed solely at the Lebanese government, or are they directed at France as well? These positions coincided with a security incident in southern Lebanon when Israeli military personnel fired near a French UNIFIL patrol close to the village of Rmeish. Diplomatic sources confirmed to LBCI that President Joseph Aoun has not changed his stance, which he has maintained throughout his tenure as head of the army: avoiding a confrontation with Hezbollah. This is reflected in the absence of footage showing the army destroying Hezbollah's military installations in the south. Meanwhile, Ortagus is expected to arrive in Beirut with a clear message, which includes the implementation of Resolution 1701, enforcement of the ceasefire agreement, and the establishment of diplomatic committees for negotiations. At the same time, Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem escalated tensions with Israel, threatening retaliation. He also warned the Lebanese government, stating that its "failure to fulfill its duties" could push the group to consider "other options." The U.S.-French "clash" is apparent in these developments, even if not openly stated. While the U.S. pressures Lebanon to fully implement Resolution 1701, claiming that Israel is acting within the agreement's framework, the French position contrasts, accusing Israel of attacking Lebanon and demanding an end to its aggressions. French President Emmanuel Macron reiterated this position during his meeting with the Lebanese President Aoun.
