The Head of the Libyan National Committee for Sustainable Development in the House of Representatives (HoR), Rabia Aburas, stressed the need to find alternative economic resources for oil and gas. It is vital this occurs soon due to the successive crises that this sector is going through.
Aburas added that the fluctuation in the volume of production negatively affects the effective contribution of oil to cover the country’s cash needs.
The Libyan Member of Parliament (MP) confirmed that alternatives exist in Libya, most notably marine resources, given the long Libyan coast on the Mediterranean. She said that this coast opens promising opportunities in the field of tourism, fishing, food industry and maritime transport.
Aburas said there should be a national orientation to boost sea-related industries. She stressed the need to invest in the green economy. The green economy aims to reduce environmental risks and achieve sustainable development without leading to environmental degradation.
Aburas indicated that this meets the goals of sustainable development and the Libyan citizen’s need for a safe environment.
Aburas added that successful experiences in other countries can be benefited from. Local and international institutions can play a major role in transferring the required expertise. She called for the formation of a national forum to discuss the development and development of the Libyan economy in accordance with the goals of sustainable development, taking into account the orientation of the blue and green economy.
The Libyan MP said that this forum should include all actors, including researchers, academics, regulatory agencies, the National Planning Council, chambers of commerce, businessmen and civil society. She stressed the importance of participating in the forum with expertise and “international bodies wishing to work with us.”
She pointed out to the importance of launching the forum soon, given the challenges facing the Libyan economy that require finding sustainable solutions. The issue must be addressed at the national level and given the priority it deserves.