The Italian-Libyan Chamber of Commerce plans to open a new office in Benghazi to strengthen its cooperation with local business stakeholders, according to the Chamber’s President Nicola Colicchi.
Speaking to Italy’s Nova news agency, Colicchi emphasized that the initiative aims to foster stable partnerships between Italian and Libyan small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). “We are working in close harmony with Libyan institutions,” he noted, adding that the goal is to create a collaborative business environment that facilitates knowledge and technology exchange and supports outreach to African markets where Libya is already active.
Benghazi to Host Italian-Libyan Economic Forum
The announcement comes as Benghazi prepares to host the Italian-Libyan Economic Forum from 24 to 27 June, with the participation of Italian companies seeking expansion opportunities in Libya.
Colicchi stressed that economic development is a critical pathway to achieving political stability in Libya. “When local communities start benefiting from an integrated economy, it helps heal internal political divisions,” he said. He also voiced support for holding swift national elections, calling for a strong economic development push alongside diplomatic efforts to reunify the country.
Italy Reinforces Presence Amid Global Competition
Ettore Rosato, Vice President of the Italian-Libyan Parliamentary Friendship Group, stated that bolstering Italy’s presence in Libya is crucial in the face of strong international competition. “Italy must strengthen its ties with Libya to avoid losing more influence to competitors like Turkey and Russia,” Rosato warned.
In a sign of growing bilateral engagement, the Italian Consulate General in Benghazi recently hosted a Republic Day celebration attended by over 450 guests, including Libyan officials, institutional representatives, and business leaders.
Francesco Saverio De Luigi, the Italian Consul General in Benghazi, noted a sharp rise in Italian activity in eastern Libya, citing the issuance of over 4,000 visas in 2024 and the resumption of direct flights to Rome as evidence of normalization and renewed cooperation.
Italy’s Ambassador to Libya, Gianluca Alberini, reaffirmed that Italy remains Libya’s top trading partner, with bilateral trade surpassing €8.6 billion in 2024. He also welcomed the reintroduction of Italian language courses in Libyan public schools and the allocation of 100 scholarships to Libyan students by 2025—the highest number across Italy’s entire diplomatic network.
