Sea Front Development & Real Estate Conference brings the voice of the boating industry to Beirut

H.E Minister of Tourism Joe Sarkis addressed the opening session, which was attended by Albert Aoun- IFP Group Chairman, Mohammed Shamaa Vice President of Arab Marine Industries Association (AMIA), Abdel Rohman- Adib Manager of Messe Düsseldorf Boat Exhibition, Nabil Itani president of Investment Development Authority of Lebanon, Jan Hbiech president of Jonieh Municipality, Imad Dana Manager of Marina projects in Solidere, in addition to businessmen and media representatives.

The conference will tackle the latest topics covering the entire spectrum of marinas and coastal developments will be staged. it is organized by the Arab Marine Industries Association (AMIA) in collaboration with The World of Yachts & Boats magazine. This high-calibre international meeting point attracted private and commercial investors, government officials, marina and seafront property owners, designers and planners active in this extremely attractive, vibrant market.

Edward Aoun, Manager of IFP, said "The conference will marvel at the revenue generated by successful waterfront development projects, and chatter about those in the pipeline or underway here in Lebanon, and about the multi-billion dollar projects in Dubai and other parts in the Middle East. Conference attendees will underscore the benefits of marinas as barometers of social advancement and cultural melting pots and discuss ways of maximizing the regional marine sector's potential, paying particular attention to Lebanon's marine industry assets. Debate will also center around the need for government industry-supporting legislation, notably investment, insurance, and commercial laws to protect local and international private investors. Finally, the myth that marinas necessarily harm the environment will be dispelled."

Mohammed Shamaa, Vice President of Arab Marine Industries Association (AMIA) said that many exciting and promising new developments, projects and huge investments are directed towards the Sea Front Development and Touristic-Related Real Estate Projects throughout the shores of the Arab World, spanning from the Arabian Gulf, to the Red Sea and the Mediterranean. The number of Marinas and Sea Front Resorts are mushrooming throughout the Region at a pace never seen before anywhere else in the World. All such developments are opening new avenues and great opportunities to the Marine, Boating and Yatch Building and Brokerage Industries. It is also creating thousands of jobs in these perspective countries; and these investments are a major contributor to the Economic Growth throughout the Region. Yet, the potential of the Sea Front Development and the Marine / Sea - Related Tourism, is still at its beginning and we see major areas for growth and reward in the future. This Year, we have invited The Different Lebanese Government Ministries and Councils to address and highlight the Scope, Potential and the Master Plan for the Lebanese Coast, along with the Major Exciting and Future Developments and Projects in Lebanon like SOLIDERE, Marina Khoury, and Le Royal Group.

H.E Minister of Tourism Joe Sarkis addressed a speech in the opening session marking that latest decree about prohibiting violations against the Lebanese coast, and will determine later lots of future projects, exploit better revenues out of this coast, and monitor its process of development.

Daniel Natchez, the Secretary General of the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA) and the keynote speaker of the conference said "the Middle East is a unique part of the world. It has significant historic areas, old sites and is writing a whole new chapter of development. This new chapter ranges from the redevelopment of very old cities like Beirut and Cairo to the many relatively heretofore undeveloped areas around the major water bodies of the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and Red Sea. When the Arabian Sea, Mediterranean Sea and the Caspian Sea are added to the mix, the potential of waterfront development is unsurpassed. Already historic developments are taking place in Bahrain, Kuwait Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Oman. Fertile boating grounds, bastions for deep sea fishing and unique diving areas add to the allure, as well as to the expectations.

"These factors, combined with the world's growing affluence, increases in leisure time and emphasis on leisure time activities, have and continue to result in increased demands for outstanding waterfront developments providing both passive and active access to the waters. This, in turn, has created tremendous opportunities, the benefits of which are being experienced by public and private entrepreneurs as well as local and regional communities in both developed and developing countries throughout the world". He added.

"The Arab world is moving swiftly to attract outside investment and changing its laws, approaches, attitudes and desires to allow as well as seek foreign ownership - something that years ago might have been thought of as impossible. It will be interesting to see if developers in the Middle East as well as other developing countries can overcome the greed factor and other pitfalls and provide the superior quality developments that not only will be economically rewarding but will meet and exceed the demanding expectations of those to whom the projects are being marketed. The rewards can include increased value, economic benefit to both the developer and the community, urban renewal (redevelopment of decaying or underutilized city waterfronts), tourism and environmental compatibility and/or enhancement while providing increased waterfront access, recreational activities and a center or focus to both the development and surrounding community.

The keys to reaping these benefits lie in appropriate site selection, thorough site evaluation and comprehensive upland and in-water site planning, including a due diligence review of the site by a knowledgeable professional planner/designer before one has created a mind-set as to what can or needs to be done with the project to make it economically feasible". Emphasized Natchez.

Nabil Itani president of Investment Development Authority of Lebanon introduced (IDAL) which is the national investment promotion agency dedicated to promote Lebanon as a viable investment destination and to attract, facilitate and retain investments in the country.

"In particular, IDAL, through the One-Stop-Shop (OSS) Licensing Directorate, grants investment projects in key economic sectors - agriculture, agro food, industry, information and communication technology, media and tourism that are meeting the set criteria stipulated by the Investment Development Law, a mix of incentives and fiscal exemptions. There are two incentive schemes: Investment Project provides a mix of incentives, tax exemptions and fee reductions based on an investment classification zoning system. Package Deal Contract offers a range of incentives, tax exemptions and fee reductions for larger investment projects". Itani added
Sami Feghali representing the Council for Development and Reconstruction of Lebanon announced that the major aims of the National Physical Master Plan is a strong consensus within the Lebanese society as to the outcome of the National Physical Planning Policies. This consensus is built around common objectives and common values, part of which are embodied in the Constitution.

"The optimum use of the coastline is essential for the development of tourism and the enhancement of the quality of life. It should be guided by a series of measures that focus on the need for Lebanon to regain a pleasant and attractive maritime coastline. The main advantage that the coastline offers to the country are the sandy beaches (around twenty), the exceptional sites (ras Chaqaa and Enfé), the striking natural sites such as cliffs, rocky capes, bays and others (a dozen), the natural shores such as dunes, wild natural environments, rocky plateau, islands... (a dozen); the urban coastal promenades (sea side cornices of large coastal cities) and the picturesque ports". Feghali added Imad Dana Manager of Marina projects in Solidere, said that the development of the Beirut Marina as a part of the total environment envisaged through the master plan of Solidere was the major motive behind the emergence of a new seafront in the BCC where major landmark residential and touristic projects are taking place since 1999.

Richared Abou Jaoude General Manger of Le Royal Hotel said that the hotel is at a turning point for the hospitality and tourist industry in Lebanon, which will be boosted by our grandiose projects among others.

Divid Barrow who has worked at director level for some notable companies in the marine industry presented a lecture titled "The Green Blue making the environment second nature"
Barrow announced a major and ambitious three year project consist of partnership of industry and users, to encourage good environmental practice amongst target audience We want to be there before the Governmental requirements are imposed, and mix of practical projects, awareness-raising and research.

At the end of the conference participants visited Beirut Boat show 2006, the International Boat and Superyacht fair, which is open for visitors from 5:00 -10:00 pm until 21 May at the Marina Joseph Khoury in Dbaye- Lebanon, Beirut Boat 2006 is expected to draw more than 15000 visitors.