Economy Minister vows revival of Rashid Karami Fair

BEIRUT — Economy Minister Amer Bisat said Monday that the Rashid Karami International Fair in Tripoli must be restored to its full potential, describing it as a national treasure that should no longer be treated as “just a beautiful architectural structure.”

The Rashid Karami International Fair in Tripoli, Lebanon, is a massive exhibition complex designed by the world-renowned Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer in the 1960s. It was intended to be a major regional hub for international trade fairs, cultural events, and exhibitions, showcasing Lebanon’s post-independence modernity and economic ambitions.

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Speaking from the closing ceremony of the “Sellem A Trablos” summer festival held at the fairgrounds, Bisat praised the city’s cultural and economic value and pledged government efforts to support its development.

"In Tripoli [...] the city of spirit, the city of history, the city of kind people and genuine energies," said Bisat. "Today, I’m not participating as a minister, I’m here as a Lebanese proud of a city called Tripoli."

The minister stressed that Tripoli "deserves to be on the map of festivals and domestic tourism," and called for efforts to "shine a light not only on its history, but on the future we are working toward."

Bsat announced three concrete steps his ministry is taking to reactivate the Karami International Fair.

“First, we are about to form a new board of directors to take the lead in reviving vital and important projects at the fair,” he said. “Second, we’re preparing a comprehensive renovation plan — costly, yes, but we’re working with UNESCO to secure funding. Third, we aim to activate the fair’s facilities in coordination with the private sector and cultural institutions, both local and international.”

The minister described the fair as “a first-class architectural, cultural, and economic landmark,” and said it is “public property, a national heritage, and our duty is to preserve it.”

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He also used the opportunity to highlight the broader economic vision of the government of Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, saying Lebanon’s economy has been devastated by “unprecedented financial collapse, political paralysis, and a brutal war” over the past six years. Still, he insisted recovery is possible.

“Some might ask: Can we really achieve this rapid growth? My answer is: Yes,” Bsat said. “Lebanon has important competitive advantages [...] but the most important is our human capital. It’s all of you. Talent, capability, and skills are the most important assets we have today as a country.”

Bsat praised the “Sellem A Trablos” festival for reviving life in the city, noting its impact on job creation and the economy.