The Minister of Economy and Trade in Libya’s Government of National Unity (GNU), Mohamed Al-Hwaij, urged China to co-organize an economic forum, bringing together businesses from both nations.
He proposed an accompanying exhibition, showcasing Chinese industries and products in Libya.
During a meeting with the Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy Liu Jian, Al-Hweij emphasised the importance of enhancing cooperation with China, a key trading partner.
He encouraged major Chinese companies to enter the Libyan market, invest in strategic projects, and establish connections with the African market. This would be through the design and construction of international roads.
Al-Hwaij highlighted Libya’s interest in leveraging industrial technology in the renewable energy sector, and providing an energy reservoir directed towards the European market.
He extended an invitation to his Chinese counterpart to visit Libya, with an economic and trade delegation to discuss establishing strategic cooperation in mutually beneficial areas.
The Chinese diplomat expressed the eagerness of major Chinese companies to enter the Libyan market, and praised the existing bilateral cooperation.
Notably, Jian expressed China’s readiness to resume its previously suspended infrastructure projects in the country. This announcement was made during a strategic meeting with Libya’s Minister of Transportation, Mohamed Al-Shahoubi, emphasizing a renewed commitment to bilateral collaboration.
The discussion between Al-Shahoubi and Jian focused on reigniting projects that had been put on hold, particularly in transportation and infrastructure. This meeting comes as a positive response to Libya’s call, made in November 2021, for Chinese companies to return and contribute to the nation’s rebuilding efforts.
Before the disruption caused by Libya’s internal conflicts, Chinese enterprises played a substantial role in Libyan infrastructure.
They were involved in a range of projects, from building roads and bridges to developing public utilities and facilities. The renewal of these projects is a welcome development, potentially injecting much-needed momentum into Libya’s post-conflict recovery.