New Minister of Industry calls for developing sustainable production in order to strengthen the competitiveness of the Lebanese industry

The Lebanese Minister of Industry, Dr. Hussein Hajj Hassan, invited the Industrial Research Institute IRI and the Lebanese Cleaner Production Center to develop a sustainable production strategy which is based on the rational use of resources in order to limit pollution, control prices and eventually help industrialists to strengthen their competitiveness.  Hajj Hassan spoke during the event organised yesterday to distribute certificates on experts and industrial institutions which completed the "Cleaner Production Programme" that is implemented by the centre in collaboration with UNIDO and the Austrian Embassy.  Hajj Hassan noted in his key speech that production and industry are indicators of country advancement and development.  He added that the objective for Lebanon is to adopt the sustainable production strategy at low cost, while insisting on the importance of working towards equitable trade through strengthening mutual relations with Arab and foreign countries, and based on clear terms that are primarily beneficial to Lebanese production.
Hajj Hassan noted that high production costs in Lebanon are due to the adoption of a rent based general economic policy and particularly in terms of favoring the development of the real estate sector which has led to the galloping rise of real estates prices without adopting any corresponding control mechanisms on real estate profits (including higher taxation on profits).  He added that particular circles of interest are collectively blocking any attempt for reform on this front.  The other reason for high production costs, according to Hajj Hassan, relates to the high cost of energy in Lebanon.  He criticised the stalling strategies of some politicians who are delaying the process of oil extraction for petty political reasons.
 The event also included speeches given by IRI director, Bassam al-Furn, Director of Lebanese Cleaner Production Centre, Ali Yaacoub, Austrian Ambassador, Ursula Fahringer, and Nada Sabra, representing UNIDO Regional Representative Cristiano Bassini.
Source: Al-Safir, Al-Diyar, Al-Akhbar 20 March 2014