Baabda: President of the Republic, General Joseph Aoun, addressed the critical role of customs in enhancing the public treasury's revenues during a meeting with delegations from the Supreme Customs Council and the Lions Club. He emphasized the necessity of improving collection processes, simplifying procedures, and maintaining strict oversight to control violations and penalize offenders.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, President Aoun stressed that the fight against smuggling is inseparable from combating corruption. He called for transparency, accountability, and protection for honest employees, alongside holding those accountable who damage the administration's reputation. Aoun highlighted the national responsibility to prevent smuggling across all borders and recognized customs as a complement to the army and security forces in safeguarding the national economy and Lebanese products.
President Aoun underscored the importance of adopting modern technology such as scanners and tracking systems to enhance oversight capabilities. His remarks were made during a meeting at Baabda Palace with Brigadier General Misbah Khalil, head of the Supreme Council of Customs, along with council members Charbel Khalil and Louay Al-Hajj Shehadeh, and Director General of Customs, Gracia Qazzi. The delegation updated President Aoun on customs operations and discussed the need for development and resource strengthening.
The President commended current efforts to rejuvenate customs and called for a strategic plan to achieve desired outcomes. Separately, he also met with a delegation from the Lions Clubs Association - District 451, led by Governor Michel Hassoun, who briefed him on the Association's work in Lebanon across various fields.