Italian-Libyan Chamber of Commerce President, Nicola Colucci expressed interest in exploring gold and precious materials in southern Libya, following the inauguration of essential infrastructure for extraction activities.
Colucci made these statements on the sidelines of the “Libya and Italy… Growing Together” conference held in Rome on Wednesday, as reported by the Italian news agency, Nova.
He added that Libya possesses a vast quantity of gold and other precious materials located in the south of the country, near Mali. However, there is currently a lack of necessary infrastructure for their extraction.
Colucci emphasised that, “establishing roads along the axis connecting northern and southern Libya would facilitate access to these regions containing valuable deposits. It will be possible to work in southern Libya, which is currently difficult to access, requiring the organisation of dedicated camps and the importation of machinery.”
Rome is hosting “Libya and Italy… Growing Together,” the largest gathering of Italian and Libyan companies since 2011.
The meeting is attended by representatives of Italian and Libyan institutions, and an estimated 100 Libyan businessmen.
The goal is to launch a new phase of value appreciation, increase trade exchanges, and further develop bilateral relations. Colucci inaugurated the meeting in the Italian capital.
Key sectors include construction, infrastructure, engineering, architecture, logistics services, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, cosmetics, agriculture, agricultural food, food, oil and gas, digital technologies, information and communication technology, and manufacturing.
The event is co-organized by the Italian-Libyan Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Libyan Embassy in Italy, ENI, Sparkle, and others.
The agenda features speeches from the Libyan Ambassador to Rome, Mohannad Younis, and a video message from the Italian Ambassador to Libya, Gianluca Alberini.
Last week, officials from the Libyan Government of National Unity (GNU) held talks with Alberini to discuss the implementation of the 2008 Friendship and Partnership Treaty.
In 2008, Libya signed a Friendship and Partnership Treaty with Italy, encompassing the maintenance of the Coastal Road across Libya. The treaty also included Italy’s commitment to completing housing projects, and offering scholarships to Libyan students in Italian universities. As well as encouraging Italian companies to enter the Libyan market.