On Thursday, the Director-General of the Libyan Development and Reconstruction Fund, Belgassim Khalifa Haftar, held a series of high-level meetings in Washington, D.C. to advance plans for the upcoming US-Libya Development and Reconstruction Forum.
The forum, set to take place shortly, is expected to facilitate partnerships between Libyan and American businesses to support Libya’s reconstruction efforts.
During a key meeting with Lida Jabs, Executive Director of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Haftar and his delegation outlined many important steps for the forum’s launch. The discussions resulted in setting a tentative date for the forum, along with the establishment of a joint committee to oversee the event and define its operational framework. This committee will play a vital role in coordinating efforts between the two countries to ensure the forum’s success.
The US-Libya Development and Reconstruction Forum aims to attract U.S. investment in vital sectors of Libya’s economy, particularly in infrastructure, energy, and technology. After more than a decade of conflict, Libya is in urgent need of rebuilding its cities, schools, hospitals, and roads, all of which have suffered significant damage. The forum will serve as a platform for U.S. companies to explore opportunities in these sectors, fostering collaboration that could accelerate Libya’s recovery.
In addition to his discussions with business leaders, Haftar met with senior officials from the U.S. State Department and USAID. These talks were aimed at coordinating efforts to support Libya’s reconstruction and ensure international assistance is aligned with the country’s needs.
The U.S. Embassy in Libya confirmed the meetings and reiterated Washington’s commitment to promoting stability and economic recovery in Libya. In a statement, the embassy emphasized that “the U.S. will continue engaging with key actors in Libya to support reconstruction, foster stability, and help move the country toward prosperity.”
These meetings highlight the U.S. government’s broader interest in playing a significant role in Libya’s rebuilding process, particularly as it relates to economic development and infrastructure investment.
Libya’s Development and Reconstruction Fund, under Haftar’s leadership, is central to the country’s post-conflict rebuilding efforts. Established to manage and direct Libya’s recovery, the fund focuses on rehabilitating essential infrastructure and promoting sustainable development. With Libya’s economy largely dependent on oil revenues, a stable and well-functioning infrastructure is key to economic growth and political stability.
Haftar’s visit to Washington underscores the importance of international cooperation in achieving these goals. By fostering relationships with American businesses and government agencies, Libya hopes to attract the foreign direct investment necessary to rebuild its infrastructure and create jobs for its population.
The fund’s mission includes addressing Libya’s most pressing challenges, such as rebuilding its war-damaged cities and modernizing its energy and water systems. By partnering with international companies, the fund aims to accelerate projects that will restore vital services and improve the quality of life for Libyan citizens.
