Beirut:A workshop titled "Integration and Connectivity Between the City and the Port" was organized by the Beirut Port Management and Investment Committee in cooperation with the World Bank.
According to National news agency - Lebanon, the event featured Beirut Port Chairman and General Manager Marwan Naffi, who presented the port's vision and strategy. World Bank Urban Specialist Ban Edilbi outlined the technical support for Beirut's urban recovery, and board member Rami Semaan provided an overview of the working session.
Naffi emphasized the objective of achieving greater integration between Beirut and its port. He noted that 139 years of parallel port and urban expansion had led to tensions in their development, which were exacerbated by the August 4 explosion. Naffi highlighted the need for rebuilding and expanding the port while maintaining its economic role, stating that over 80% of Lebanon's trade passes through the port. He also mentioned that planned expansions are expected to enhance the port's regional standing.
Academics and experts at the workshop discussed various topics, including pedestrian-oriented development, governance, spatial continuity, and integrated urban projects. The event concluded with a discussion moderated by Kamal Hamdan, focusing on future recommendations to strengthen urban and economic links between Beirut and its port.
