On Thursday, Italy’s Embassy in Libya announced that exports to Libya, increased by 37% in 2021.
According to the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) the total trade exchange value between Italy and Italy has reached €6.8 billion euros. “we were the first trade partner of Libya with a value of about €5.6 billion, and the first destination of Libyan exports,” the Embassy added.
These positive signals, combined with the Italian government’s support for Libya’s economy during this delicate phase of political transition, have pushed the ITA to reopen its office in Tripoli.
In May 2021, the Prime Minister of Libya’s outgoing Government of National Unity (GNU), Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba paid a state visit to Rome. He stated that Italy is Libya’s best partner in the future reconstruction of the country, after years of civil war.
At a business forum with major Italian companies, Dbaiba explained that “after a tough decade Libya now needs the support of all countries, not just Italy.”
Head of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the Libyan Parliament, Youssef Al-Agouri urged Italian companies and city planners to participate in the reconstruction of the country.
This came in his speech during his participation in a workshop on “Reconstruction of the Old City of Benghazi,” organised by the Benghazi Municipality, and the Italian Consulate.
Libyan officials and investors from the public and private sectors, local and foreign businessmen, and representatives of international organisations participated in the event.
“Stability in Libya now helps to rebuild, establish, and develop infrastructure in all Libyan cities, and Italy is one of the leading countries in this field,” Al-Agouri said during his speech.