Over the past few years, Lebanon has been experiencing one of the most challenging economic crises in its history. A secure trade supply chain to bring goods into the country and export to key markets in the Gulf countries is a key precondition for economic growth, job creation and political stability.
Since the beginning of the implementation of the UNODC/WCO Container Control Programme (CCP) in Lebanon in 2018, the Programme has worked steadily to provide support to border management agencies. CCP's sustained objective in the country has been to establish inter-agency border control units at Beirut seaport, Beirut airport, Tripoli seaport and the land-border crossing with Syria (Al Masnaa).
The implementation of CCP in the country is possible thanks to the continued commitment of the Lebanese Government as well as the relevant law enforcement agencies working with it, mainly Lebanese Customs. In view of the current challenges, the Lebanese Government decided to take the programme to the next level and make it a key priority for the country’s security and economic strategy.
To this end, on 10 March 2023, the caretaker Prime Minister (PM) of Lebanon, His Excellency Najib Mikati, convened relevant government ministers and heads of key law enforcement agencies for a high-calibre roundtable at the Grand Sérail, focused on strengthening trade supply chain security. Also attended by the Ambassadors of Norway and Australia, the Deputy Ambassador of Germany, the UNODC Regional Representative for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), the UNODC Regional Coordinator for CCP in MENA and experts from both UNODC Headquarters in Vienna and the CCP management team in Beirut, the meeting served the purpose of reiterating the government's interest in deepening the implementation of CCP by requesting the incorporation of additional national agencies into the programme. As expressed by PM Mikati during his welcoming remarks, “Through the principle of interagency cooperation with which CCP is concerned, Lebanon is sending a clear message that it prioritizes the fight against corruption. Its commitment to improving border security and contributing to stability in the region will send a strong signal to the international community that will help Lebanon seek economic advancement through negotiations with the International Monetary Fund and international partners”.
The roundtable also served as a platform for PM Mikati to announce the appointment of a Focal Point within the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) to serve as a liaison between the PMO and the various participating agencies regarding CCP activities. The creation of this dedicated body will allow for more seamless incorporation and cooperation among the various national actors, reinforcing the inter-agency principles of CCP.
With this renewed political commitment to the CCP, it is expected that additional law enforcement agencies will soon join the programme. Through their incorporation into CCP Units, these agencies will benefit from the full CCP capacity-building package and provision of technical equipment, and boost their inter-agency cooperation. Ultimately, it is expected that this new collaboration will lead to increases in information exchange and seizures of illicit goods, thus contributing to securing the Lebanese trade supply chain and consequently, providing some much-needed stability to the nation and its people.
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