Contradiction in public policy: liberalization of trade with Egypt and ban on import of Egyptian potatoes!

In contradiction with official pledges to protect domestic agriculture, the minister of economy and trade, Raed Khury, and the minister of agriculture, Ghazi Z3ayter, are expected to approve the suspension of the trade exchange executive program with Egypt in response to the latter’s request. In a preemptive step, Antoine Howayek, the head of the Lebanese Farmers’ Association called on farmers to mobilize in preparation for what he termed the ‘peasants revolution’, announcing the downfall of agriculture in the country. To be noted, the Trade Exchange Agreement between Lebanon and Egypt was inked back in 1998 within the framework of the Arab Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). The latter bans the access of more than 20 made-in-Egypt agricultural items into Lebanon, and identifies those that can be exported, and the timing of exports. Howayek noted that revoking the trade exchange pact will facilitate the entry of various Egyptian agricultural products into the country without limitations whatsoever, which means the revival of the TFA that allows an unrestricted freedom of trade exchange. The Farmers’ president downplayed the placatory statements by the ministry of economy which promised to impose quantity related restrictions to protect production. Howayek drew attention that the TFA does not include an agricultural trade calendar that would protect Lebanese production . In a contradictory move, Z3ayter issued a directive banning the entry into Lebanon of imported Egyptian potatoes as of 15/3/2017 pending studies by his ministry to determine the allowed quantities to be imported, a decision lauded by Akkar potato growers, while thanking both Prime Minister Saad al Hariri and Z3ayter for supporting farmers. (An Nahar, Al Diyar, Al Akhbar, March 15, 16, 17, 2017)