Lebanese Republic 
Minister of Economy from Tripoli
Rachid Karami International Fair should not remain just a beautiful architecture
Minister of Economy and Trade, Dr. Amer Bisat concluded the festival “Sallim 3a Trablous” at the Rachid Karami International Fair in Tripoli where stating: “Tripoli. the city of the soul, the city of history, the city of kind people and real potentials. I am with you today, not as a Minister, but as Lebanese participant proud of a city called Tripoli, which has the right to be marked on the map of festival and internal tourism. It is our right to shed the light on it instead of the history; rather, on the future that are working on. This city is not only part of the North but it a city for all Lebanon. It has enough history that can be written in books and enough future to be called hope.”
He added: “Despites all the challenges, Tripoli is still producing, educating and welcoming people with love and chivalry. From this perspective, we believe, as a Ministry of Economy and Trade, in its role as an economic, cultural and touristic hub. We are also determined to cooperate together to reach this position. We do not want to see Tripoli forgotten, on the contrary we want it always present not only on the geographical map but also on the touristic, cultural and national map”.
He also said: “from the heart of Rachid Karami International Fair, we conclude today the “Sallim 3a Trablous” festival; in fact, this is not the end; rather, a beginning. The beginning of a vital, diversified summer full of culture, fun and interaction. This event was not just a festival; it was a heartbeat of life. It was a proof that Tripoli can be happy, create and gather. I want to greet with all my heart the festival organizers from Aura media, Mrs. Aya Moussa and M. Assem Hamza as well as all had worked hard to reach this result. I would also like to thank all who visited the fair from all regions because Tripoli deserves this. These events do not just aim to spread joy but actually to activate the economy and accelerate the production wheel in addition to open direct and indirect job opportunities, namely for the youth. Despites all difficulties, we strongly believe that the Lebanese human capital is the core driver of our economy and will always remain at the heart of any recovery plan for our human energy is the most precious thing we possess”.
He also added: “Lebanon is going through a delicate phase, the shocks that our economy was exposed to over the last six years are devastating: an unprecedented financial collapse, political paralysis and a fierce war. These socks had pushed our economy to a tragic productive level. In this regard, the government of Prime Minister Nawaf Salam works hard to execute finance, institutional and sectorial reforms that aim above all to double the gross domestic product (GDP) during the coming seven years. Some may ask: do we have really the potential to achieve this fast growth? My answer is: yes, Lebanon possesses differential advantages: its geographical location, the capacities of the private sector and its wealthy diaspora. However, Lebanon’ most important advantage, on which we all count, is the human capital. It is you; for the competency, potential and skills are the important thing we have. It is our competitive advantage in this changing world. In this sense, culture and tourism are not just work we esteem but rather a national, economic and existential need. As for the place in which we are standing today, it is an exceptional one. Rachid Karami International Fair was designed by the Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer; it is an architectural and cultural landmark; a dream came true from the sixties but the circumstances stopped it. Today, the fair resumed its activity, stressing that it is a public property and it is our duty to protect it. This fair shall not remain a mere beautiful architecture structure; however, it shall regain its role: A culture, tourism and economy forum. From our position as a Ministry, we took three practical steps: firstly, we are about to form a new board of directors that will take over the lead to activate the vital and important projects and revive the fair’ activities; secondly, the need to elaborate a comprehensive rehabilitation plan that is expensive but we are trying to collect the funds with the support of the UNESCO and we extend our thanks for ranking this landmark as World Heritage Site. Thirdly, we are looking to activate the facilities in the fair which is not performed with the coordination of the private sector. We are looking for real partnerships with the private sector and the local and international cultural institutions in order to reactivate this landmark.”
Minister Bisat added: “the festival “Sallim 3a Trablous” is the beginning of the journey, the first event in a series of events that will extend along the summer season. Tripoli’s summer had begun and, if God wills, it will not end. There will be many parties, exhibitions, gatherings, markets, fairs and occasions to reactivate the city and get the people to visit it. Lebanon is still able to be happy and Tripoli is still able to create; the fair will shine again. Let us work together, let us dream together. Thank you so much, from the bottom of the heart. See you soon in the next gathering, also here, in Tripoli…”
