世界发展银行-Reforming-and-Rebuilding-Lebanon_s-Port-Sector---Lessons-from-Global-Best-Practices_42页_5mb

Summary of "Reforming and Rebuilding Lebanon's Port Sector: Lessons from Global Best Practices"

Core Content

The document outlines the necessary reforms and rebuilding strategies for the Port of Beirut (PoB) following the tragic explosion on August 4, 2020, which caused significant damage and highlighted systemic governance and operational failures in the port sector. The World Bank, in collaboration with the United Nations and the European Union, has prepared this Note to guide policymakers in Lebanon toward a more resilient, efficient, and transparent port sector.

The PoB, as the main gateway for Lebanon’s external trade, has failed to support economic development and has been plagued by inefficiencies, poor planning, and lack of accountability. The current governance model, which has been in place since 1990, is based on a temporary administrative committee (CGEPB) and has led to a lack of clear institutional structure and transparency. The document calls for a comprehensive institutional reform to address these issues.

Main Viewpoints

1. Current Port Governance Issues

• The PoB has been managed by a temporary committee since 1990, leading to governance, transparency, and accountability problems.
• The Lebanese Customs is fragmented, with two parallel institutions (Higher Council for Customs and Customs Directorate) that are inefficient and subject to political interference.
• The current governance model lacks a coherent strategy, with overlapping mandates and outdated procedures among key agencies.

2. Need for a Robust Institutional Framework

• A new governance structure is essential to rebuild the PoB and ensure long-term sustainability.
• The proposed model is a three-tiered structure:
  • National Port and Maritime Administration: For strategic planning and policy setting.
  • Landlord Port Authorities: For each main port to manage operations.
  • Commercial Operations: To be carried out by private terminal operators and licensed stevedoring companies.
• The port authority should be corporatized as a joint-stock company with full public ownership, allowing it to operate independently while still being an implementing mechanism of government policy.

3. Reforms in Customs and Border Agencies

• The Customs administration must be reorganized to streamline trade procedures and enhance transparency and security.
• A national single window system, integrating port community data and aligned with the IMO FAL convention, is recommended.
• Digital solutions and cybersecurity are critical for modernizing customs operations.

4. Public Procurement and Anti-Corruption Measures

• Open and competitive bidding processes should be implemented in line with reformed public procurement and PPP laws.
• A national anti-corruption commission should be established to monitor and mitigate corruption risks in port operations.
• The current procurement process is opaque and inefficient, contributing to the crisis and the explosion.

5. Infrastructure and Masterplan Revisions

• The reconstruction of the PoB should be based on a countrywide port strategy and a revised masterplan.
• The masterplan should optimize port performance, enhance competitiveness, and address urban congestion and environmental risks around the PoB.
• The port's infrastructure must be rebuilt with a focus on safety, efficiency, and long-term sustainability.

6. Port and Maritime Strategy for Lebanon

• A unified strategy is needed to promote complementarity among Lebanon’s ports, including the PoB and PoT.
• The strategy should align objectives, development plans, and operations of all ports and logistics infrastructure.
• It should also ensure access and reduce risks from chemical and environmental hazards.

Key Information

• The explosion caused an estimated US$350 million in damage to the PoB and US$3.8–4.6 billion in total physical and economic damage.
• Lebanon's port sector is underperforming due to poor governance, outdated regulations, and lack of coordination.
• The landlord port model is recommended as the optimal governance structure for the PoB.
• The 3RF (Reform, Recovery, and Reconstruction Framework) has been developed to guide the rebuilding of a better Lebanon, with a focus on transparency, inclusion, and accountability.
• The Reform and Reconstruction Roadmap includes:
  • Establishing a new institutional framework.
  • Reforming customs and border agencies.
  • Implementing open procurement processes.
  • Revising the masterplan and infrastructure strategy.

Proposed Road Map

Guiding Principles

• Transparency and Accountability
• Inclusion and Participation
• Efficiency and Modernization
• Sustainability and Resilience

Building Blocks for Reform

• New Port Sector Law: To establish a clear legal framework and vision.
• Landlord Port Authorities: To manage operations efficiently.
• Modern Customs and Border Procedures: Including digital solutions and cybersecurity.
• Open Bidding and PPP: To ensure value for money and private sector participation.
• Anti-Corruption Commission: To monitor and mitigate corruption risks.
• Masterplan and Infrastructure Strategy: To enhance performance and optimize land use.

Implementation

• The reforms must be implemented in a transparent and participatory manner.
• The World Bank is prepared to support the process through coordination with stakeholders, including the government, civil society, private sector, and international partners.
• The donor community has developed a unified platform to plan the way forward in the port sector, with the aim of rebuilding a modern and efficient PoB.

Conclusion

The document emphasizes that the rebuilding of the PoB is not only a technical challenge but also a governance and institutional transformation process. It calls for a systemic approach to port sector reform, involving all relevant stakeholders and aligned with global best practices. The ultimate goal is to rebuild a modern, transparent, and efficient PoB that supports Lebanon’s economic recovery and long-term development.