BEIRUT, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Lebanon's General Security shut down on Friday illegal shops belonging to Syrians in Lebanese areas, including Byblos, Keserwan and Burj Hammoud.
Shops that were shut down by security forces work in different sectors such as furniture, food and textiles, according to Elnashra, an online independent newspaper.
The general security's initiative came after decisions issued by the government in its 2019 state budget to crack down on illegal businesses operated by Syrians in Lebanon.
Syrians who have resided in Lebanon following the eruption of the Syrian civil war in 2011 have opened businesses in different sectors which created huge competition with Lebanese retailers, driving them out of business.
Telecom Minister Mohammad Choucair, who is also head of Beirut's Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, announced last year that over 2,000 Lebanese firms closed their doors due to economic slowdown and fierce competition by foreign businesses.
