Minister of Agriculture Dr. Nizar Youssef Hani officially inaugurates Baalbeck Hub

In the beating heart of Baalbeck, a city rich in heritage and resilience, a new light of development and community spirit was kindled. Under the patronage of His Excellency, Minister of Agriculture Dr. Nizar Youssef Hani, the Baalbeck Hub was officially inaugurated — a landmark initiative brought to life by the Lebanese Association for Coexistence and Development (LACODE).

This is more than a market. It’s a vision turned reality — a permanent and inclusive space designed to uplift local farmers, empower artisans, and offer a shared cultural stage for the people of Baalbeck and its surrounding areas.

A Place Where Agriculture, Art, and Culture Meet

The Baalbeck Hub proudly features:

• A permanent farmers’ market, giving local agricultural producers a stable, dignified space to showcase and sell their fresh, seasonal products.
• A permanent exhibition hall for handicrafts, celebrating the region’s rich artisanal heritage and opening new doors for income and visibility for craftspeople.
• A multi-purpose public space, intentionally designed to host cultural, social, and educational events — strengthening social bonds and nurturing dialogue and creativity in the community.

In his opening remarks, Minister Hani praised the initiative as a “model of integrated rural development” and underscored the importance of supporting sustainable agriculture and local production through inclusive platforms like Baalbeck Hub.

Empowering the People, Sustaining the Land

At its core, Baalbeck Hub reflects LACODE’s mission to build bridges between communities, nurture coexistence, and promote equitable development across Lebanon’s diverse regions. It stands as a tangible answer to the economic and social challenges that many in rural areas face, especially farmers and small-scale producers whose work is vital but often overlooked.

By connecting producers directly with consumers, and offering a space that belongs to the community, the Hub creates a circular economy rooted in dignity, sustainability, and collaboration.

A Vision That Grows with the Community

As the Baalbeck sun set on the day of the opening, the smiles of farmers, artisans, youth, and elders alike told a story of hope and ownership. This is only the beginning.

With continued engagement, Baalbeck Hub is set to become a beacon of inclusive development in Lebanon — an engine for local livelihoods and a vibrant space where culture, economy, and community converge.

For LACODE, this is not just a project — it is a promise. A promise to keep listening, creating, and standing by the people, as they plant seeds not only in their fields, but in their futures.