Economy Minister calls for the protection of the olive sector from foreign competition

The Minister of Economy Dr. Alan Hakim urged in a letter to his Agriculture counterpart Akram Chehayeb to do his outmost to protect the production of domestic olive and olive oil against fierce competition of imported products. In the same vein, Al Mustaqbal newspaper reported yesterday that prospects for the current olive season vary according to regions. While West Beqaa records a decline after the deadly blizzard last January, warmer areas, mainly in the southern and coastal areas and the Hasbaya Valley, were not affected. This, the newspaper reported, will help Lebanon meets his needs, notwithstanding the difference in the price of one gallon of olives which has reached LBP200 thousand, unlike lavish seasons where it would be normally sold between LBP 100-150 thousand.  (Al Mustaqbal, November 16, 17, 2015)