Beirut: Economy Minister, Amer Bisat, and Agriculture Minister, Nizar Hani, on Tuesday toured Beirut's central fruit and vegetable market in Ard Jalloul-Qasqas, alongside senior officials and municipal representatives, to assess conditions and hear traders' demands for reopening.

According to National news agency - Lebanon, Hani emphasized that reviving the market is a strategic step to restructure agricultural value chains. This includes linking farmers to consumers, improving pricing fairness, and reducing informal market chaos. He highlighted the importance of enhancing transparency from farm to table and subjecting produce to laboratory testing to ensure quality and restore consumer confidence.

Hani also noted that the market could evolve into a national model, serving as a hub for agricultural guidance, innovation, and farmer support. This initiative is expected to create jobs and boost economic activity.

In his remarks, Bisat underscored the facility's significance in organizing trade, strengthening supply chains, and ensuring food security. He also highlighted the role of the market in improving oversight.

The Economy Minister announced the formation of a task force aimed at fast-tracking rehabilitation and resolving the administrative and financial obstacles to reopening.