Lebanon’s popular markets thrive amid economic crisis

Lebanon’s popular markets thrive amid economic crisis

BEIRUT: During the first days of Ramadan, Lebanese citizens and Syrian refugees flocked to east Bekaa's Souk al-Marj market to shop, a tradition followed by local Muslims to mark the holy month. Dozens of booths scattered on both sides were filled with goods and foodstuffs, most of which were imported from Syria at affordable prices amid the current economic crisis.

Sherif Jaber, a 46-year-old citizen and father of eight children, told Xinhua he is happy to see popular markets back in business after the lockdown imposed by local authorities to curb the spread of COVID-19. "I am happy these markets are back as they help us secure our basic necessities at lower prices during the current crisis,“ Jaber said.

For his part, Salem Ghandour, a laborer at a car repair garage, said he was running out of money as his shop closed during the lockdown, while Souk al-Marj allowed him to save 20 percent on his purchases. "I hope the government works seriously on curbing prices because people cannot bear this heavy burden of prices anymore,“ Ghandour told Xinhua.

Before Ramadan, a meeting was held at the Ministry of Economy and Trade earlier this month to discuss measures on preventing unjustified rise in