Rasamny pledges reforms as Beirut Port signs Marseille partnership
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport announced that, under the patronage and in the presence of French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot, and with the participation of Lebanese Minister of Public Works and Transport Fayez Rasamny, Beirut Port Chairman and Director General Marwan Naffi and Marseille Fos Port Chairman Hervé Martel signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Marseille, establishing a new phase of institutional cooperation and commercial and technical partnership between the two ports and aiming to strengthen Beirut Port’s strategic position in the Mediterranean basin.
The signing ceremony was attended by Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Marseille Fos Port Christophe Castaner, CMA CGM Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Rodolphe Saadé, representatives of the port’s key sectors and French national and local authorities, in the presence of Lebanon’s Ambassador to France Rabih Chaar and Lebanon’s Consul General and General Coordinator in Marseille Ralph Matar.
According to the ministry, the three-year memorandum of understanding is part of efforts to develop relations between the two ports and reorganise areas of cooperation in support of the modernisation of Beirut Port’s operations. It seeks to strengthen joint work in commercial development, technical cooperation, innovation and the energy transition.
The agreement provides for encouraging and expanding trade flows between the eastern Mediterranean, particularly Lebanon, and Europe through joint commercial promotion initiatives and the exploration of new opportunities. It also aims to enhance cooperation in maritime connectivity, logistics services, transport systems, digitalisation, emissions reduction and the decarbonisation of port activities.
In remarks during the ceremony, Rasamny said he was proud to be in Marseille, a city that holds a special place in the history of the Mediterranean and has long maintained deep and enduring ties with Lebanon.
He described the signing of the memorandum as a new milestone in the relationship between the Grand Port Maritime de Marseille and the Port of Beirut, stressing that it was more than just an agreement, but rather reflected a shared ambition to build a practical, sustainable and forward-looking partnership.
Lebanon is today engaged in a phase of reconstruction and infrastructure modernisation, and our objective is clear: to make the Port of Beirut more modern, more efficient, more transparent, and fully integrated into the major international trade networks, Rasamny said.
He added that Marseille, with its expertise, operational excellence and strategic vision, was a natural partner in supporting that transformation.
Rasamny said both sides looked forward to expanding trade, strengthening capacities, promoting innovation and exploring opportunities created by new economic corridors linking the Mediterranean, the Middle East and Europe, particularly within initiatives such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
What is being strengthened today extends beyond cooperation between our ports; it also reinforces the bonds of friendship between France and Lebanon, he said.
Rasamny stressed that the Lebanese government was determined to implement the necessary reforms and develop infrastructure that meets the highest international standards.
The Port of Beirut must regain its position as a leading logistics platform serving Lebanon, the region and our international partners, he said.
He thanked the Grand Port Maritime de Marseille, its chairman, management and staff for the confidence they have placed in us, and for the commitment and spirit of cooperation they have shown.
He also thanked everyone who contributed to preparing and bringing the agreement to fruition, expressing confidence that this partnership will produce tangible results, create new economic opportunities, and further strengthen the ties of cooperation between our two countries.
Concluding his remarks, Rasamny said: Let us make the Mediterranean, together, not a boundary that separates us, but a bridge connecting our peoples, our economies and our ambitions.
As part of efforts to broaden cooperation, the Port of Beirut received a formal proposal from Marseille Fos Port to participate in discussions within the IMEC Ports Club, an international economic initiative launched in May to serve as a platform for dialogue and cooperation among port authorities located along the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.
The memorandum also places particular emphasis on integrating port activities into their surrounding urban environment, recognising the complementary relationship between a city and its port. Through the exchange of expertise and experience, both sides aim to develop waterfronts and port areas while enhancing the integration of port-related projects into the urban fabric in a way that promotes public acceptance and support from local communities.
Following the signing ceremony, Rasamny and the accompanying delegation visited the TANGRAM Innovation Center, operated by CMA CGM, where they were briefed on its activities, programmes and approaches to innovation and the development of solutions for the transport and logistics sectors.
Rasamny concluded his visit with a series of meetings with CMA CGM Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Rodolphe Saadé and senior company officials, in the presence of Ambassador Chaar and Consul General Matar. The discussions focused on prospects for cooperation in maritime transport, logistics services and port development, as well as ways to strengthen the partnership between Lebanon and the CMA CGM Group.
