Latest news with #Qlayaat
LBCI
02-07-2025
- Business
- LBCI
PM Salam outlines reform and recovery vision: Border security, IMF deal, and $250M reconstruction loan
Lebanon's Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said from the Economic, Social and Environmental Council that 'true salvation is only possible through real reform that lays the foundation for a real state,' stressing that stability cannot be achieved amid ongoing Israeli violations. He noted that diplomatic efforts are being intensified to implement U.N. Resolution 1701 and to initiate reconstruction, adding that the state—consistent with the Taif Agreement and its ministerial statement—is continuing its efforts to extend its authority and ensure that arms are under its sole control. Salam announced the launch of direct cooperation with the Syrian side to secure the border, combat smuggling, and facilitate the safe and dignified return of Syrian refugees. He said the government's goal is to reach a deal with the International Monetary Fund during its term. 'Our immediate priorities include expanding public-private partnerships,' he added, noting that IMF negotiations are progressing responsibly and that Lebanon is preparing to host an investment conference this fall. Salam also stated, 'My visits, along with President Aoun's, to several countries aimed to restore Lebanon's place in the Arab and international spheres.' He revealed that the master plan for Qlayaat Airport had been completed in preparation for its launch and that visits were made to the south, north, and Bekaa to assess local needs. The Prime Minister added that Lebanon has secured a $250 million loan from the World Bank for reconstruction, pending approval. 'The reconstruction project cannot be completed without contributions from our Arab brothers,' he said, noting that preparations are underway for an international reconstruction conference based on a clear vision.
The National
11-06-2025
- Business
- The National
Lebanon looks to visitors from Gulf as it pushes to increase tourism
Lebanon is looking forward to a boost in tourism from Gulf countries as its new leadership works to rebuild ties after years of estrangement. The UAE and Kuwait have lifted bans on their citizens travelling to Lebanon after recent visits by President Joseph Aoun, who has also travelled to Saudi Arabia and Qatar after taking office in January. 'Lebanon is moving in the right direction, getting back to the Arab fold – and that's a Lebanese demand before anything else,' Fouad Dandan, Lebanon's ambassador to the UAE, told The National. Gulf tourists and investors − particularly from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the UAE − were significant contributors to the economy for decades before relations soured over the increasing influence of Iran over the country through Hezbollah. However, the Lebanese armed group and political party has been considerably weakened after a year-long war with Israel that led to them signing a peace deal last November. Preparations for an increase in arrivals are already under way, with an additional terminal to be built at Beirut's international airport. Plans for a new airport are also in the works, with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam announcing last month that the master plan would be unveiled shortly and the project thrown open to foreign investors. To be called the Rene Mouawad Airport, the new airport in Qlayaat 'could play a strategic role in facilitating cargo movement and affordable travel', Mr Salam told a conference in Beirut on Tuesday. At the same time, flag carrier Middle East Airlines is looking at setting up a low-cost carrier to serve destinations in the Middle East and Europe. The budget airline would be a wholly owned subsidiary of the wider MEA group but fully independent, Mohamad El Hout, chairman of MEA, told The National. He said MEA had seen 'significant growth in passenger traffic' this month, and was forecasting year-on-year growth of 10 per cent to 15 per cent in the second half of 2025. Given its history of conflict, Lebanon's security forces have also been rallied to encourage more foreign visitors. 'Preparations are under way to welcome tourists, though the state is working with a limited budget. Efforts have been made to improve visitors' experience. The road from the airport to Beirut has been repaired, and political banners and posters were removed months ago,' a senior security official involved in the operations told The National. 'What's new is the increased police presence near airport routes, especially at night. Police staffing has recently expanded to accommodate these new duties, and additional checkpoints are now active, with clear instructions to search suspicious vehicles and fine violators.' In the long run, drawing more visitors to its beaches, mountains and nightlife could play a key role in Lebanon's efforts to rebuild an economy hit by mismanagement, corruption and war, with the tourism sector estimated to account for 20 per cent of GDP. 'Eid Al Adha gives a glimpse of how this summer will look,' Jean Abboud, president of the Association of Travel and Tourist Agents in Lebanon, told The National. 'We're seeing new nationalities this year: Emiratis, Kuwaitis and Qataris. Gulf tourists tend to spend more time and money in the country. 'In May, airport traffic rose 11 per cent compared to the same period last year. The momentum is encouraging.'
