Hariri: North Lebanon Has Strategic Future Role in Boosting Lebanon's Economy

Prime Minister Saad Hariri stressed on Tuesday that it is necessary to develop solutions, projects and programs to address problems in the country, pointing out that the northern city of Tripoli “has a historic opportunity ahead that we won't allow anyone to spoil.”

Hariri's comments came at the opening of the Development Conference in Tripoli at the Grand Serial, organized by the Safadi Foundation under the title “From Tripoli to all of Lebanon - Progress and Development".

“Tripoli that was oppressed in recent years due to deliberate rounds of fighting and tensions, and to the distortion of its open, educated and moderate image, has a historic opportunity and we will not allow anyone to spoil it,” said Hariri.

“This is why we are working to complete infrastructure projects, roads and highways to the west and east. Efforts are continuing to launch the Rene Mouawad Airport, the railway in the north and the special economic zone, develop the port and activate the fair and the Lebanese University complex.”

The PM added: “All this work is based on a strategic vision for Tripoli’s coming role in the reconstruction of Syria and Iraq. I am convinced that at some point Tripoli and the North will be leverage for the whole Lebanese economy and development in Lebanon, especially in the north and all the disadvantaged areas.

Hariri stressed that the main goal is to “provide job opportunities namely for the youth,” pointing out that Tripoli will continue to symbolize moderation.