07 Feb 2022; MEMO: Turkey has lifted the ban on imports of scrap metal from Lebanon. The move to lift the ban imposed in 2018 was revealed by Lebanon's Economy Minister and will, explained Amin Salam, boost Lebanon's economy by $100 million a year.
"During my meeting with Turkish officials within the framework of Lebanese President Najib Mikati's visit to Ankara, we discussed the steps that we can take in order to raise the level of trade to greater levels than it has been in the past," said Salam. "As a result of these bilateral meetings, we succeeded, in the first stage, on lifting the ban on scrap metal exports to Turkey."
Official data reported by MTV showed that Lebanese scrap metal exports to Turkey accounted for more than 40 per cent of all scrap metal exported before 2018.
"Minister Mehmet Mus contacted me and informed me that the decision has become official, and Lebanon can immediately return to exporting scrap metal," added Salam. "This positive initiative by Turkey supports the Lebanese economy at a very critical time in which our country is appealing for support to get out of its acute crisis on the path of recovery and reform."
Moreover, said the Lebanese official, "On the recommendation of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey has expressed the readiness of its companies to implement important infrastructure projects in Lebanon, including the reconstruction of the Port of Beirut."
