Benghazi is set to host a major milestone in Libya-Italy economic relations as the Libya–Italy Economic Forum opens on Tuesday, June 25. Coinciding with the launch of ITA Airways’ first direct commercial flight from Rome to Benghazi, the forum marks the beginning of a new chapter in bilateral cooperation.
Described by Italy’s Nova News Agency as the most significant partnership initiative between the two countries in recent years, the forum will run through June 26 and includes the participation of around 100 Italian companies.
A New Era for Italian Business in Libya
According to Nova, the event signifies a turning point for Italian entrepreneurship in Libya, while the ITA Airways flight AZ8035 symbolises a renewed industrial and commercial dialogue across the Mediterranean.
Nicola Colicchi, President of the Italian-Libyan Chamber of Commerce, said that Benghazi is now “Libya’s most stable and dynamic area.” He stressed that this was a business-driven forum, unlike the recent government-led summit in Tripoli during Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s visit.
The forum is organised by the Italian-Libyan Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with the Italian Embassy in Tripoli and the Consulate General in Benghazi. More than 450 entrepreneurs, business leaders, and Libyan representatives are expected to attend.
Strategic Focus on Reconstruction in Cyrenaica
The forum will feature B2B meetings tailored to key sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, water management, logistics, agriculture, environmental technologies, and sustainable development—all identified by the Libyan Reconstruction Fund as priority sectors.
Libyan conglomerates working in construction, food processing, fisheries, and healthcare will be main partners in exploring joint ventures. Dozens of Libyan SMEs are also participating, with organisers noting a high demand for Italian expertise, technology, and business management.
Italy’s Economic Goals Amid Global Competition
Italy hopes to strengthen its economic footprint in Libya amid growing competition from Turkey, China, and Russia. Colicchi pointed out: “The Turks are everywhere—even if their methods are more aggressive and less refined, they’re seen as reliable partners. Our strength is quality.”
He added that one of the forum’s core messages is to boost structured Italian presence in Libya and overcome fragmented engagement. “It’s time to stop following and start leading,” said Colicchi.
Benghazi is now being compared to an “open construction site,” echoing Shanghai’s development boom in the early 2000s, with intense public and private investment.
Key Role of Libya’s Reconstruction Fund
Led by Belgasem Haftar, the Libyan Fund for Development and Reconstruction is the main Libyan partner in the initiative. The fund recently requested 69 billion Libyan dinars (approx. €11 billion) for the next three years from the House of Representatives, following the swift rebuilding of Derna after Storm Daniel.
The Italian-Libyan Chamber will also announce the opening of a new permanent office in Benghazi, providing a base for Italian businesses to operate and grow in Libya without needing constant travel between Rome and Benghazi.
Italian Firms Target Strategic Sectors in Libya
The participating companies cover strategic sectors such as health, energy, logistics, manufacturing, and construction. Key names include:
Iveco Group: one of Europe’s largest industrial vehicle producers
Renco: healthcare and integrated engineering
Todini: infrastructure construction, currently working on the long-delayed East–West Coastal Highway
Termomeccanica: advanced water management systems
Rapanelli: olive oil extraction systems
Coelmo: energy and generator solutions
Bonifacio Ltd: metal and mechanical construction
Indeco: environmental and energy solutions
Limonta Sport: sports infrastructure
Molmix, MP Foodex, Infinity Innovation: agricultural processing and food technology
Dozens of other small and mid-sized Italian companies are also showcasing their offerings at the forum.
