The Director General of the Industrial Research Institute, Dr. Bassam Frenn, welcomed his Excellency the Minister of Industry, Engineer Joe Issa-El-Khoury, during an official visit to the Institute’s premises. He was accompanied by the Acting Director General of Industry, Engineer Chantal Akel and attended by departments and specialized centers directors, and division heads at the Institute.
Dr. Frenn warmly welcomed Minister Issa-El-Khoury, wishing him success in his ministerial duties, and reaffirmed the Institute’s full readiness to place its capabilities at the disposal of the Ministry of Industry, contributing effectively to the development of the national economy and the modernization of the industrial sector.
The visit began with a meeting in the conference room, during which the Minister had the opportunity to meet the directors of departments and specialized centers and division heads, gain insight into the Institute’s structure and team, and receive a detailed overview of its functions.
Dr. Frenn then delivered a comprehensive presentation on the history of the Institute and its development milestones. The presentation included a documentary film highlighting the major achievements and key moments in the Institute’s scientific and research journey.
Following that, the Deputy Director General, Mr. Selim Kfoury gave a brief introductory overview of the Institute. This was followed by a presentation from Eng. Antoine Faycal, Customs Files, Inspection and Certification director, on the implementation of the BRIDGE System. Then, Mr. Naji Abi Zeid, Director of the Euro-Lebanese Centre for Industrial Modernisation (ELCIM) and the Centre for Innovation and Technology (CIT), provided an introduction to these two specialized centers, outlining their missions and fields of activity.
Minister Issa-El-Khoury, expressed his admiration for the Institute’s high level of advancement and professionalism, emphasizing the importance of developing quality infrastructure in Lebanon as a fundamental pillar for achieving sustainable development, enhancing economic and social security, and boosting the competitiveness of national industry by applying the international standards. He also expressed his full readiness to support the Institute and offer the necessary assistance, inquiring about the challenges or obstacles it faces in order to work toward addressing them.
The visit concluded with a field tour across various departments of the Institute, including several laboratories. Dr. Imad Hage Chahadeh, Technology and Development director, and Dr. Joseph Matta, Applied Research and Testing director, provided detailed explanations of the latest equipment and technologies in use, outlining their functions and key role in supporting national industry and protecting the Lebanese consumer.
