Chamber of Beirut
expands to Jounieh

The decision is in response to great demand for its services

The Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture of Beirut and Mount Lebanon (CCIA-BML) is preparing to open an office in Jounieh.

“Our strategy is to enhance the presence of the Chamber in different areas of the country, reduce the cost of commuting on members and ease their access to services,” said Nabil Fahed, Vice-Chairman of CCIABML. “It will be a satellite office to serve the Chamber’s members in that area and to gather traders’ and industrialists’ associations under one platform,” he said.

An office affiliated to the CCIABML is currently operating in Jounieh, but is too small for the purpose. “Demand for the Chamber’s services in Jounieh has been high and this is another reason for moving to these premises,” said Fahed.

The new office will also host offices for the Union of Mount Lebanon Traders, the Jounieh Traders Association, and the Keserwan Industrialists Gathering. “We also welcome any bodies that would like to join our office,” said Fahed. “The Jounieh office will be, just as in the Sanayeh headquarters, the ‘Center of the Lebanese Economy’ and will be opened for economic meetings and activities,” he said.

The new premises will occupy a floor of 750 square meters and will consist of a large conference room and a department dedicated for member services. It will also include parking. “We will be equipping the office with high-tech tools, including hardware and software systems, as well as video conference tools, among others,” said Fahed.

It will be completed in around a year, depending on funding. “Financing the project will be through the Chamber’s internal sources of income and we are looking for a subsidized loan to start its operations faster,” said Fahed.

The CCIABML is considering opening an office in Aley soon. “It’s an active area with a lot of trade and economic activities,” said Fahed. “The office will be small and may be located at the Aley Traders Association premises or a nearby location on the Damascus road. We will evaluate that area’s needs and then decide on the expansion,” he said.

The CCIABML has branches in Jounieh, Baakline, and Sin El Fil.