A delegation from the Lebanese Poultry Syndicate, headed by William Boutros, met with Minister of Agriculture Nizar Hani at his office to discuss the state of the poultry sector and the implementation of the National Poultry Sector Strategy.

The meeting mainly focused on the risks facing chicken processing plants due to the ban on their imports by most Arab countries, while similar foreign products are being allowed into the Lebanese market without customs duties.
In a statement, the syndicate said that “the meeting with Minister Hani was productive, as he showed full understanding of the syndicate’s various demands and emphasized the need to implement the National Poultry Strategy as planned.”
The minister also assured the delegation that he will follow up on the issue of processed chicken products and work to find a solution to preserve this promising and vital industry.
The syndicate informed the minister about the serious threats facing the processed chicken sector, stressing “the need to take the necessary measures to protect these products, which are facing an existential threat due to the ban on their entry into Arab markets, while similar Arab products are being allowed into Lebanon without any customs fees.”
The syndicate also expressed surprise that Lebanon continues to allow the import of such products duty-free, even though the chicken used in their production is not locally sourced in those Arab countries.
It called for reciprocal treatment toward Arab countries and the reinstatement of import licenses for these products as soon as possible—until customs tariffs are imposed—to protect this emerging Lebanese industry, which can no longer compete in the local market while being barred from exporting to Arab countries, a situation that threatens its inevitable collapse.
Source: almarkazia.com