Tripoli Special Economic Zone and Tripoli Chamber Renew Cooperation Protocol to Support Operational Readiness and Institutional Integration
In a move marking a transition from general institutional cooperation towards more practical arrangements aligned with the operational and investment requirements of the Tripoli Special Economic Zone (TSEZ), the General Authority of the Tripoli Special Economic Zone and the Tripoli Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture have renewed their Cooperation Protocol. The renewed agreement reaffirms both institutions’ commitment to strengthening institutional integration, coordinating efforts, and creating a comprehensive business environment conducive to investment and productive projects.
The Protocol was signed by Eng. Dr. Hassan Dennaoui Chairman of the Board and Director General of the General Authority of the Tripoli Special Economic Zone, and Mr. Tawfiq Daboussi, President of the Tripoli Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture.
The signing ceremony was attended by the Chamber’s Vice Presidents, Ibrahim Fawz and Nakhil Yammin, Board Member Mustafa Al-Yamak, and Director General Linda Sultan. Representing the TSEZ, the ceremony was attended by Board Members Abdel Majid Al-Rafei, Youssef Maawad, and Ibrahim Touma. Also present were Dr. Abdel Hamid Karimeh, Mayor of Tripoli; Eng. Wael Zmerli, President of the Federation of Al-Fayhaa Municipalities; Rawad Al-Helou, Mayor of Qalamoun; Eng. Iskandar Bendali, Chairman of the Tripoli Port Investment Authority; Eng. Khaled Obeid, Director of the North Lebanon Water Establishment; Lawyer Marwan Daher, President of the North Lebanon Bar Association; Architect Chawki Fatfat, President of the Order of Engineers and Architects in Tripoli and North Lebanon; and Dr. Bilal Sayyah, Secretary of the North Lebanon Dental Association.
In his remarks, Mr. Daboussi highlighted the wealth of expertise, talent, and economic potential available across North Lebanon, emphasizing the importance of harnessing these assets through an integrated development vision. He stressed the need to strengthen public-sector institutional capacities, enhance cooperation with the private sector, and translate available opportunities into practical initiatives and viable projects. He further underlined that the development of North Lebanon is a national responsibility requiring the concerted efforts of all institutions, economic sectors, and public facilities.
For his part, Dr. Dennaoui expressed his satisfaction with the renewal of the Cooperation Protocol with the Tripoli Chamber, more than a decade after the initial agreement. He emphasized that its renewal carries particular significance at the current stage, as the TSEZ advances its institutional preparations and operational planning. He described the Chamber as a key strategic partner, given its expertise, technical capabilities, facilities, and specialized services, which can contribute significantly to supporting the Zone’s operational framework and meeting the future needs of investors and businesses.
The renewed Protocol establishes practical areas of cooperation directly linked to the operational phase of the TSEZ. These include coordination on licensing procedures and the development of mechanisms to facilitate investor services, as well as access to the Chamber’s specialized laboratories and centers, particularly its Industrial Center ( IDRAK) and Artificial Intelligence Center. Cooperation will also extend to technology, innovation, and industrial applications.
Furthermore, the agreement provides for the exchange of studies, research, and expertise, alongside coordination on the legal, technical, and procedural aspects of determining the origin of goods and issuing Certificates of Origin in accordance with applicable regulations and procedures. This cooperation is expected to strengthen trade and export-related services and support companies operating within the Special Economic Zone.
The renewal of this Protocol reflects a shared understanding that the successful development of the Tripoli Special Economic Zone depends not only on infrastructure and investment, but also on a strong network of institutional partnerships and specialized services. In this regard, cooperation with the Tripoli Chamber represents an important pillar in preparing for the Zone’s operational phase, ensuring more efficient and flexible business services, and strengthening Tripoli and North Lebanon’s position on the regional and international investment and trade map.