Libyan Economy Minister Mohamed al-Hwaij met with Italy’s Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy, Adolfo Urso, alongside Anwar Boustta, Chairman of the Libyan-Italian Chamber of Commerce, and Gianluca Alberini, Italy’s Ambassador to Libya. The meeting took place during the 50th Tripoli International Fair.
The discussions focused on strengthening trade and investment cooperation between the two countries. They also explored the activation of existing agreements and memoranda of understanding.
Minister al-Hwaij emphasised the importance of major companies returning to operate in Libya. He assured that the Ministry of Economy and Trade would facilitate overcoming any obstacles they face. He highlighted the crucial role of the Libyan-Italian Chamber of Commerce in enhancing economic and trade cooperation, which in turn would boost investment and economic growth.
Italian Minister Urso reiterated that Libya is a strategic trade partner for Italy, given its pivotal location as a gateway for trade and investment.
Notably, the Libyan Ministry of Industry and Minerals in the Government of National Unity (GNU) and the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy have signed an agreement to enhance the cooperation on several sectors.
The agreement aims to enhance cooperation between the two countries in renewable energy, green hydrogen, direct investment, and joint initiatives between companies. It also focuses on exchanging expertise in research, applied innovation in manufacturing, and skills training.
The signing ceremony was held during the Libya International Conference on Industry and Technology, in Tripoli.
Libyan Minister of Industry and Minerals, Ahmed Abuhisa, emphasised that the ministry will work to implement the recommendations. He highlighted that the provisions of the 2008 Friendship and Partnership Agreement with Italy are now active across all relevant sectors.
Urso underscored the deep strategic partnership between Libya and Italy, particularly in energy, oil, and gas. He expressed Italy’s readiness to collaborate on strategic energy projects in Libya to meet local needs and for export.
Urso’s visit is part of the “Mattei Plan” and includes meetings with Libyan ministers of Economy and of Industry in the Government of National Unity (GNU).
This visit comes shortly after the trip of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to the Libyan capital. Urso’s mission is part of a broader series of ministerial visits to Africa, which began in April in Egypt and will continue on May 27 in Tunisia.
