LEBANON (Enmaeya News) - October 24, 2025

President Joseph Aoun reaffirmed his commitment to reopening the René Moawad Airport in Qlayaat and revitalizing the northern city of Tripoli’s economic role, calling it a key step toward Lebanon’s recovery.

During a meeting at Baabda Palace with a delegation from the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture of Tripoli, Aoun stressed that Lebanon needs investment rather than aid to rebuild its economy.

He said Tripoli holds a “vital position” in the country’s development and must be empowered to contribute more actively to national growth.

The delegation, headed by Chamber President Toufic Dabboussi, presented plans to reactivate the Tripoli Special Economic Zone and strengthen the city’s infrastructure to attract investors.

Aoun said the government would move forward with appointments to the zone’s board and port authority in the coming period.

Tripoli’s officials have long argued that reopening Qlayaat Airport and developing the city’s port could transform the region into a logistics and trade hub for northern Lebanon.

Later, Aoun met with MP Ibrahim Kanaan to discuss recent talks with the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank as part of efforts to coordinate economic reforms and infrastructure projects with international partners.