On Tuesday, the Director-General of the Libyan Development and Reconstruction Fund, Belgassim Khalifa Haftar, inaugurated the Libyan-French Forum for Development and Reconstruction in the city of Benghazi.
The forum is a significant milestone in fostering economic collaboration between Libya and France, aiming to enhance reconstruction efforts and strengthen bilateral ties.
The French delegation was led by Mostafa Mihraje, France’s Ambassador to Libya, accompanied by senior diplomats and Michel Bazzoua, Director of North Africa and Regional Manager at Business France. Over 50 prominent French companies participated, representing diverse sectors such as education, telecommunications, infrastructure, healthcare, investment, transportation, and agriculture.
In his opening remarks, Belgassim Haftar emphasized the forum’s importance in advancing Libyan-French relations toward a strategic partnership. He expressed optimism about the forum’s outcomes, highlighting its potential to drive collaborative development projects. Haftar also revealed plans to host the second edition of the forum in Paris in 2025, further deepening economic and cultural ties between the two nations.
Following the inaugural session, the forum transitioned into business-to-business (B2B) meetings, providing a platform for Libyan and French companies to explore opportunities for collaboration. The second day of the forum is set to include the signing of several memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and contracts between Belgassim Haftar, Business France, and key French companies, marking a concrete step toward long-term cooperation.
The Libyan-French Forum aligns with Libya’s broader vision to rebuild and modernize after years of conflict. By inviting international investors and establishing partnerships with leading global companies, Libya aims to restore its infrastructure, diversify its economy, and improve living standards for its citizens.
France’s active involvement in this forum underscores its commitment to supporting Libya’s development. French companies, renowned for their expertise in infrastructure, healthcare, and digital innovation, are positioned to play a pivotal role in Libya’s reconstruction efforts
