Michel Issa Foundation for Local Development (MIF) and Berytech gathered on November 3 to lay the first brick of "Berytech Amchit", the first Innovation Parks outside Greater Beirut, that is due to open its doors in 2020. The event took place at the project site on Amchit Highway (near IPT Headquarter building) and was attended by the Maronite bishop of Jbeil Michel Aoun, Rev. Professor Salim Daccache s.j. Rector of Saint Joseph University (USJ), the CEO and Chairman of Berytech Mr. Maroun Chammas, Chairman of Erga Eng. Elie Gebrayel, Head of Technical Office in the Union of Municipalities of Byblos Mr. Michel Khalifeh, Chairman of IPT Group Mr. Michel Issa, President of MIF Dr. Toni Michel Issa, in addition to the Priest of the Parish of St. Zakhia Amchit Father Charbel Abi Ezz, as well as key figures and representatives from various industries.
Dr. Issa explained that this initative comes in line with MIF contribution to local development. Being the First project of its kind in the area, "Berytech Amchit" - will be built on a 5000 m2 area at Amchit-Jbeil highway - with the aim to addressing the economic needs of Kesserwan, Jbeil, and Northern kazas, through fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among youth, and securing jobs for fresh graduates without the need to flee to the capital or to immigrate. Dr. Issa valued the support and supervision of USJ noting the academic and religious significance it adds to the project.
In his intervention, Mr. Chammas mentioned that rural communities require special attention due to the insufficiant access to services, thus the importance of "Berytech Amchit" that will be the First Innovation Parks outside Greater Beirut to support entrepreneurs from different regions, especially in the fields of ICT (Information and Communication Technology), smart agri-food, renewable energy, eco-tourism and social entrepreneurship.
In his presentation, Eng. Gebrayel gave an in-depth explanation about the center’s architecture including perspective pictures and specifications of the different sections. He confirmed that "Berytech Amchit" will be designed to offer young talents, entrepreneurs, start-ups and professionals, with a multitude of valuable services that are available at all Berytech (BIC) sites including:
- Worry-free fully furnished modern eco-friendly flexible hosting offices and services for startups and SMEs paralleled with a co-working space for freelancers and entrepreneurs.
- Business development services including coaching, training, networking events, mentoring and access to finance to support entrepreneurs.
- Meeting and conference spaces will additionally be open to benefit professionals in the area.
In his turn, Rev. Prof. Daccache welcomed MIF and Berytech's initiative, and explained that one of USJ's missions is the local development of human, economic and social resources. Thus, the new Berytech will be a true incubator of new companies, especially for students and young graduates of USJ and other universities.
Finally, Bishop Aoun confirmed that this project will contribute to reduced migration, through attracting youth to stay in their hometowns and consequently strengthening their trust in their country. He then thanked Michel Issa Foundation and Berytech for this much needed project that will bring not only strong impact, but also economic and social value to the region.
At the end, Mr. Michel Issa, Dr. Toni issa and Mr. Maroun Chammas, laid the first brick of "Berytech Amchit" in the midst of the blessings of Bishop Michel Aoun, Professor Salim Daccache, and Father Abi Ezz.
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