Lebanon’s Second Largest City Reboots Its Economic Fortunes

Tripoli Special Economic Zone (TSEZ) is one of the most pioneering projects under its way in the north of Lebanon – its aim is to foster economic momentum and support the sustainable growth of the region.

As the project’s main consultant, Khatib & Alami (K&A) is playing a pivotal role in delivering the master plan, including a strategic environmental assessment, sustainable engineering solutions, urban design guidelines and detailed infrastructure works. All aspects of the project are being delivered in line with best practice for Export Processing Zone (EPZ) development and criteria laid out by the World Bank, while meeting the Lebanon 2020 integrated vision for the Industrial Sector in Lebanon.
 

A Pilot Project

Spanning 500,000 m2, the site is adjacent to the Port of Tripoli with multimodal routes and rail capacity. It offers many logistical advantages for attracting local and foreign investors and expanding Lebanon’s export potential. The functional synergy with the Port of Tripoli offers significant benefits for the TSEZ, which will have excellent access to skilled labor from the North Lebanese region.
 

TSEZ Program

TSEZ will feature light to medium industrial activities including warehousing, logistics, food and beverage processing, and production of materials such as metals, chemicals, plastic and paper.

The project, which is divided into three phases, is expected to create more than 6,000 direct and indirect jobs, according to forecasts by K&A’s planning team. Thanks to its location close to the Syrian border, TSEZ will also be well positioned to support the reconstruction process during the post-conflict period in Syria.
 

Development Framework

The development framework for TSEZ will seek to create an attractive and efficient environment for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), with user-friendly facilities and services for potential tenants.
 

Sustainable Eco Approach

K&A is proposing sustainable design features throughout the Master Plan, including renewable energy production and investment in recycling and other energy-efficient technologies. The integration of sustainable features will not only benefit the environmental performance of TSEZ but will also contribute to long-term operational cost reductions. A waste management plan will be established within the zone using recyclable wastes from tenants.

A nearby wastewater treatment plant will be used to reduce additional treatment costs and minimize duplication of infrastructure. Rain water collection will be recycled to support efficient water use.

A Catalyst for Economic Growth

In addition to the revitalization of the Port, TSEZ will play a major role in generating economic activity, promoting the export of goods and services, creating new employment opportunities and boosting the local economy with workforce training and skilled labor. The implementation of Phase 1, which encompasses around a third of the project, will start in 2019.