Turkish economist Halimi Kagnici, the Head of the Konya branch of the Independent Industrialists and Businessmen’s Association (MUSIAD), stated that the volume of trade with Libya has reached about $4 billion and can be increased in a short time.
He made this statement to Anadolu Agency on Saturday following his recent visit to Libya.
Kagnici explained that he and 20 businessmen from the Konya branch of MUSIAD visited Libya and had productive meetings with administrative and civilian officials as well as high-level officials who have a say in industry and trade in Libya.
Kagnici stated that they believe the economic developments in Libya will bring very important opportunities, adding that “everyone in Libya sees us as the big brother. We met with Mayors who gave us very good opportunities. They said we should work together and establish investments. They promised us serious opportunities there. We can do a lot.”
He also highlighted the potential of industrialists in the Konya state, saying that they aim to contribute to the development of Libya and the development of trade between the two countries.
Kagnici added, “we have a trade relationship with Libya worth about $4 billion, but it is not a dream to increase this number ten times in 2-3 years.”
On Thursday, the Libyan Minister of Economy and Trade, Mohamed Al-Hwaij, met with several prominent Turkish businessmen. They discussed the return of Turkish companies to Libya, in line with the government’s action plan.
The meeting was attended by the Libyan-Turkish Business Council President, Mortada Karnafil, the Consul General Salah Al-Din Al-Kassah, and the Commercial Attaché at the Libyan Consulate General in Istanbul, Omar Derhoub, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Economy.
The statement highlighted the “stability that Libya is currently experiencing, and the fact that the Libyan economy is the fastest-growing Arab economy in 2023.”
During the meeting, Al-Hawij emphasised that the “revitalisation of the Libyan economy lies in achieving cooperation and integration with the private sector and international participation.”
The Minister stressed the need to hold a meeting in the near future in Libya that includes Turkish companies, the General Union of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture, the Libyan Business Owners Council, the Libyan Industry Union, and relevant entities to discuss opportunities for cooperation and investment.
