Beirut Port’s grain silo employees held a tribute ceremony honoring Minister of Public Works and Transport Fayez Rasamny, Minister of Economy Amer Bisat, represented by Director General of Cereals and Sugar Beet Issam Abou Jaoude, Chairman and Director General of Beirut Port Omar Itani, and President of the General Labor Union Dr. Bechara Asmar.
The event was organized in recognition of the joint efforts that led to the transfer of the silo employees to the administration and operations of the port. It was attended by members of the Port’s Board of Directors, the union of port workers and employees, Asaad Haddad, and the silo staff.
In his address, Asaad Haddad, Director of the Silos, praised the “continuous support extended to the employees,” emphasizing “the strategic importance of the silos and the need for practical solutions to the issue of stranded grain, while ensuring a sustainable future for their workforce.”
He saluted Port Director General Omar Itani, saying: “Despite all the pressures, you remained determined to integrate the silo employees with those of the port. Together, we will work hand in hand to increase productivity in this vital facility—the gateway of Beirut to the world.”
Haddad also hailed Minister Rasamny’s role, describing him as a leader “committed to teamwork and convinced that human capital remains the nation’s most valuable asset.”
General Labor Union President Dr. Bechara Asmar lauded Itani’s efforts “in dispelling concerns and overcoming obstacles surrounding the employee transfer,” describing Beirut Port as “the gateway of the East, strengthened under Itani’s leadership, an iron-willed man standing firm against challenges and constantly striving to develop the port.”
He commended the support of the Board of Directors, the union, and all employees, stressing that “the reconstruction of the silos must be an inseparable part of Beirut Port’s rehabilitation.”
Port Director Omar Itani, welcoming the attendees, thanked Minister Rasamny “for the trust and swift support he extended to the Board of Directors, which allowed the liberation and reactivation of the port’s operations and projects.”
He recalled “the difficult moments the port endured, from the catastrophic explosion to the pandemic and the economic crisis,” extending appreciation to Lebanon’s security forces, “especially the Lebanese Army, the port’s foremost supporter through all difficult times.”
Itani also expressed gratitude to the port’s “family of employees whose patience, determination, and resilience ensured continuity,” adding that “thanks to their efforts, the port regained its global standing, from ranking 700th worldwide in 2021 to 54th today.”
He credited this success to “collective teamwork, particularly with CMA, which executed its contract commitments and carried out tremendous efforts to repair equipment under the awarded tender.”
Itani further saluted the Board of Directors as “the unsung heroes who silently supported every step,” and extended special thanks to “President Joseph Aoun for his unwavering support to the port during his tenure as Army Commander,” as well as to “Prime Minister Dr. Nawaf Salam.”
On the integration of silo employees, Itani said the port “urgently needs their expertise,” recalling that “in 1997, the port had 1,200 employees, whereas today it operates with barely 160.” He praised “the administration’s commitment to fighting corruption and bribery,” adding that “the port has achieved remarkably high productivity.”
He continued: “Whether we remain or not, our mission is national. The port remains vital to Lebanon’s food security, handling nearly 85% of all imported goods.”
Itani highlighted the port’s improved security classification, noting that “Minister Rasamny was the main supporter behind the introduction of container scanners—a two-year battle that was successfully concluded under the supervision of the Minister, the Prime Minister, and President Joseph Aoun.” He described the scanner project as “a long-held dream finally realized.”
Minister of Public Works and Transport Fayez Rasamny, in turn, described the Beirut Port Silos as “a national symbol embodying both the pain of loss and the dignity of resilience,” praising its employees as “the guardians of Lebanon’s food security who have proven their dedication and integrity under the harshest conditions.”
Rasamny explained that “the integration of silo employees into the Beirut Port administration was carried out as a patriotic duty, not for personal interest,” clarifying that “the process involved only two phone calls, one from the Minister of Economy and another from the Port’s Director General, and resulted from institutional cooperation among the Ministries of Public Works and Economy, the Port Administration, and the General Labor Union.”
He added: “No one needs to thank me. I am merely fulfilling my national duty. Your pain is immense, especially that of the honest worker. We are building from nothing to rise above the ground, despite those who strive to keep us beneath it.”
Minister Rasamny reaffirmed that “the ministry’s priority is to secure employees’ rights and salaries, as a fundamental duty of the state,” stressing that “true reform begins with transforming the entrenched administrative mindset and adopting transparency and accountability in managing public facilities.”
“The campaign that targeted us for merely forming a new board at Tripoli Port will not deter us. Reform continues, and I will fulfill all my national obligations without hesitation.”
added that “efforts are underway to modernize and upgrade Lebanon’s ports in line with international standards to enhance their competitiveness.”
Concluding, Rasamny commended “the partnership between the General Labor Union, the Port Administration, and the Ministries of Economy and Public Works,” calling it “a model of constructive institutional cooperation.” He emphasized that “the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, is working in unison toward reform,” affirming:
“What we have achieved over the past seven months is only the beginning. We will move forward with steady, responsible steps on a national path aimed at building effective institutions that serve workers and uphold the dignity of the state.”
