Lebanon and Saudi Arabia reopen key overland trade route
New scanner at Masnaa crossing aims to strengthen security and speed up movement of Lebanese exports toward Saudi markets
BEIRUT, Lebanon (MNTV) — Lebanon and Saudi Arabia have officially resumed their overland trade route, reopening a key channel for Lebanese exports after nearly five years of suspended land imports, reported Arab News.
The reopening took place at the Masnaa Border Crossing between Lebanon and the Syrian Arab Republic, where Lebanese customs authorities have begun operating an advanced scanning system designed to detect prohibited goods and improve the flow of legitimate trade.
Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Fahad bin Abdulrahman Al-Dosari attended the ceremony, two months after announcing that Saudi Arabia would resume importing Lebanese products by land following the earlier restoration of air freight links.
Saudi Arabia halted imports of Lebanese products, particularly agricultural goods, nearly five years ago after several attempts to smuggle drugs into the Kingdom.
The new scanner is intended to strengthen customs controls while allowing trucks and other vehicles to pass through the border more efficiently.
Al-Dosari said the reopening reflected continued cooperation between the two countries and expressed Saudi confidence in the Lebanese state. He also voiced hope that Lebanese exports to Saudi Arabia would eventually surpass the levels recorded before the import suspension.
Masnaa is currently Lebanon’s only functioning land crossing for exports. Lebanese authorities said the northern Abboudieh crossing could reopen within weeks, which would help reduce pressure on Masnaa.
Lebanon’s Public Works and Transport Minister Fayez Rasamny said the government was committed to securing all of the country’s border crossings and welcomed the restoration of access to Saudi markets. He said the reopening could begin a new period of economic cooperation and customs expertise between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia.
Rasamny said the government plans to subject all Lebanese imports and exports to scanning as part of tighter security and customs controls. He added that cooperation with shipping and logistics company CMA CGM helped Lebanon obtain the new scanning equipment quickly.
Lebanon has also approved a broader modernization plan for the Masnaa crossing. The proposed $61 million project would create separate smart lanes for trucks, buses and passenger vehicles, in addition to a fast-track lane, VIP lane and free-trade zone. Officials estimate the project could be completed within three years once financing is secured.
Higher Customs Council President Misbah Khalil said the new technology would help authorities combat smuggling while making legitimate trade faster. The scanner will operate around the clock and has a capacity far greater than conventional scanning equipment.
Lebanese officials said the system would enable customs officers to inspect vehicles and cargo more quickly and accurately while helping secure goods moving between Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and other countries using Lebanese trade routes.
The reopening marks a significant step in restoring commercial ties between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia after years of restrictions and comes as Beirut seeks to strengthen state control over its borders and revive trade with regional markets.
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