Turkey’s Minister of Trade, Ömer Bolat, has highlighted Libya’s significant role in helping Turkey become the world’s second-largest international contractor by project volume, crediting decades of infrastructure work in the North African nation.
In an interview with Turkish news agency Anadolu, Bolat emphasised that Libya holds a “very special place” in Turkey’s economic and historical ties. “Libya occupies an extremely important position in our history,” he said. “The bonds of friendship, neighbourhood, cooperation in the Mediterranean, and our shared cultural and social values are very strong.”
Economically, the minister noted that Libya has long been a crucial market for Turkish contractors. “Since 1972, Turkish companies have undertaken large-scale construction projects across Libya. These investments and efforts laid the foundation for Turkey’s global rise in the construction sector,” he said.
Bolat stressed that Turkey’s achievements in international construction are inseparable from its work in Libya. “The contracting work that started in Libya, along with our foreign trade efforts, played a critical role in Turkey’s current global success,” he stated.
Over the decades, Turkish firms have been involved in building roads, housing, hospitals, and public infrastructure across Libya, particularly during periods of strong bilateral cooperation. Although political instability has at times disrupted projects, Turkey has maintained its presence in the Libyan market and is now seeking to revive and expand cooperation under more stable conditions.
The statement comes amid growing diplomatic and economic ties between Ankara and Tripoli, with Turkish officials repeatedly expressing interest in strengthening partnerships across energy, infrastructure, and trade.
Libya remains one of Turkey’s most important markets in Africa and the wider Mediterranean region, and Bolat’s comments signal a renewed focus on deepening economic cooperation despite ongoing political challenges.
