The Libyan Ministry of Industry and Minerals has announced the near completion of the largest ceramics factory in North Africa, set to open in the coming weeks.
According to the ministry, this factory is a significant strategic initiative developed in collaboration with China’s Goodwill-Uganda Ceramics Co. Ltd. The project is expected to boost Libya’s industrial sector significantly and generate numerous employment opportunities for Libyan citizens.
The new ceramics factory is situated in the industrial area of Misrata. It features state-of-the-art technology and modern equipment essential for ceramic production, ensuring the highest standards of quality and efficiency.
The ministry’s statement emphasized that the factory aims to fulfill the local market’s demand for high-quality ceramic products. This initiative is also designed to reduce Libya’s dependence on imported ceramics, promoting self-sufficiency in this sector.
The opening of this factory is seen as a pivotal moment for Libya’s industrial advancement. The government anticipates that this project will not only strengthen the country’s industrial capabilities but also provide a substantial economic boost by creating job opportunities and reducing import costs.
By partnering with Goodwill Uganda Ceramics Co. Ltd, Libya benefits from international expertise and investment, further enhancing the country’s manufacturing standards. This partnership underscores the importance of international cooperation in achieving industrial growth and development.
Beijing and Tripoli are rebuilding ties after China withdrew its investors in 2011. However, Libya’s political division could pose challenges, according to a report published today by the English-language South China Morning Post in Hong Kong.
Before the 2011 revolution that ousted late lone-time leader Muammar Gaddafi and led to a bloody civil war in Libya, China had extensive interests in the oil-rich North African state. At that time, 75 Chinese companies controlled 50 major projects with a contractual value exceeding $20 billion, according to the Chinese Ministry of Commerce.
Intensive Chinese investments, including oil, construction, railways, and telecommunications, abruptly halted after some companies were raided and dozens of workers were seriously injured. This prompted Beijing to act swiftly to evacuate its citizens from the unrest. During the crisis, 35,860 Chinese nationals were evacuated from the country, marking the largest official evacuation abroad since the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949. As the security situation deteriorated, China suspended new investments, a situation that remained relatively unchanged until now.
