Beirut: Beirut Port Authority, represented by its Chairman and Director General, Marwan Al-Naffi, and the Higher Customs Council, represented by its head Misbah Khalil, on Thursday signed a memorandum of understanding on the operation of scanners, under the patronage of Finance Minister Yassine Jaber and Public Works and Transport Minister Fayez Rasamny. Ahead of the signing ceremony, attendees toured the scanner site, where they were briefed on operational mechanisms, adopted procedures, and the role of this equipment in accelerating inspection processes and strengthening oversight.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Jaber explained that the event marked the formal institutionalization of the relationship between Customs and the Port Authority, officially adopting the use of scanners after completing training and necessary preparations. He expressed gratitude to the Minister of Public Works and the Beirut Port Authority for their efforts, as well as to CMA CGM for supplying and overseeing the operation and maintenance of the scanners. Jaber emphasized that this step is part of a long process toward completing the customs system aimed at achieving greater efficiency.
The Finance Minister highlighted that several IT programs are yet to be installed, including an artificial intelligence system for image analysis, a pre-arrival declaration system for imported goods, a risk management program, and a new customs information system that will fully activate with migrated data. Jaber underscored the foundational nature of this step in developing customs operations, enhancing state revenues, accelerating procedures, and facilitating importers' work to support the Lebanese economy.
Jaber expressed appreciation for the efforts of the Customs Administration, the Higher Council, and customs personnel in improving operations, and thanked Minister Rasamny for their collaborative work on beneficial initiatives for the country.
Minister Rasamny emphasized that the scanner project is a core pillar in reforming Beirut Port and enhancing its performance, combining security and financial dimensions. He noted that the scanners' operation is a significant achievement in revenue collection and protecting against hazardous materials entry. Rasamny stressed that port security and safety remain non-negotiable priorities, with work proceeding to address structural gaps linked to the port explosion, ensuring such catastrophes are not repeated.
Rasamny explained that the scanners' introduction is part of an integrated approach to regulate port operations, enhance transparency, and raise oversight levels, directly improving state revenues. He acknowledged the complexity of the path but affirmed it as a genuine starting point for rebuilding a modern port administration that aligns with international standards.