We are working on a strategic equation based on a balance between manufacturing and production

Pushkian spoke and denounced the Israeli aggression, wishing that the vacuum in the presidency of the republic would end, and said: “Siblin’s General Director, Sheikh Adeeb Al-Hashem, honored me by inviting me to participate with you in the annual breakfast held by the company, in the presence of a group of friends, members of the industrial family, and employees of Siblin. I see among the audience colleagues in the Parliament and dear former ministers. Allow me to greet Timur Bey Jumblatt, who, as I learned, expressed his insistence on attending this Ramadan-industrial event, which is becoming par excellence national. I also salute Walid Bey Jumblatt, who strengthened industry in the mountain, out of his belief in the productive capabilities of Lebanon and the Lebanese.”

He added: “I would like to focus on something very striking tonight in this hall, in terms of the diversity of attendance, on a religious occasion specific to a particular sect. The Lebanese do not know how to differentiate between each other. They share joys and sorrows, as well as partnerships in business, mixing with students in schools and universities, patients in hospitals, and living together in villages and towns and in the same buildings in cities. I say this to emphasize that Lebanon is a country of coexistence, and the Lebanese people are open, accepting of others, liberal, flexible, with a strong love for freedom and democracy.

He continued: “I turn to the topic of the industry you specialize in, and I mean the cement industry, and the related building materials industries, the investment of crusher and sand sites, the repercussions on the national economy, and the environmental impact as a whole. I hasten to develop a strategic equation based on the need to balance manufacturing, production, nature preservation, the environment, safety and public health. Lebanon is famous for its picturesque nature, fresh water, distinctive weather, and four seasons. We are called upon to preserve this unique painting in the Arab world and the Middle East region. Our duty is to protect our society, our families, and our children, and to prevent them from being exposed to any harm of any kind. Their health is up to us. As well as reassuring them about their tomorrow and future.”

He said: “My words do not mean that the cement industry is tampering with the national natural heritage, but rather it supports and contributes with the Ministries of Industry and Environment in formulating the final foundations of the legal and regulatory frameworks, to maintain sound environmental standards in the process of investing in its quarries, in accordance with the latest international specifications.” Hence, the Ministry participated in preparing the draft decree amending the Quarries and Crushers Decree No. 8803/2002 through observations it made and submitted to the General Secretariat of the Presidency of the Government. Cement factories are considered one of the foundations of the Lebanese industry, and they are one of the basic factors in the construction and reconstruction process, and the modernization of the urban renaissance. Soil is a strategic industrial material needed by all countries without exception. The owners of this sector in Lebanon have invested heavily in expansion, and in adhering to environmental standards and specifications, which the Ministries of Industry and Environment have tightened in establishing in coordination with the Prime Minister and the National Council for Quarries and Crushers. The Ministry of Industry follows up on the conditions of soil companies through the periodic inspections it carries out to monitor continued compliance with the required health and environmental conditions. The Ministry also sought to ensure continuity of work for cement companies in quarries within the highest standards of environmental preservation. She participated in the committee monitoring the rehabilitation of quarry sites. It also contributed fundamentally to establishing a development agreement between the companies concerned and the surrounding municipalities, ensuring the integration of factories into their environment. It was signed in the government palace on 5/5/2021.”

He added: “This industry is therefore capable of growth within environmental standards, and is prepared for export, given that the quality of Lebanese soil is solid and suitable for urbanization.” Many countries in the region will need it in the next stage. Hence, as a country, we keep pace with this sector, which needs constant attention to protect the environment, development and achieve sustainable growth. Therefore, you and I believe you must work to ensure the lowest possible emissions of environmental and natural pollution, and you have equipped your laboratories with the necessary filters for this. This puts you on the path to taking a correct path under the cloak of applicable laws.”

Bushkian concluded: “I congratulate you on the Siblin model project that you will launch in the year 2026, which will establish a solar energy field with a capacity of twenty megawatts to be used as a backup power generation station. This constitutes a clear future roadmap through which you prepare for continuity, sustainability and competition. I congratulate you on this vital project, and wish you success, without forgetting your great role in social responsibility and social assistance towards your employees and the surrounding environment.”