Prime Minister Saad Hariri explained Friday that the port of Beirut is one of the most important ports in the region, containing 1.3 million containers and growing, noting that “half of the campaigns launched on the port are political and the other half aim at improving the situation.”
In a press conference, Hariri stressed the need for improvement, rather than remaining in a temporary committee,” noting that Public Works Minister Youssef Finianos and the committee have been looking into the situation.
“Whoever attempts to smuggle through the port will face the authorities,” he warned, adding that the exemptions have been cancelled, “since the interest of the state is far more important that the interest of the sects.”
Hariri pointed out that they are seeking to reach the development phase so that the port will be at the level of the largest ports of the world.