Libya and Turkey are set to deepen their economic ties as a high-level Turkish delegation of business leaders and industrialists met with Libyan officials in Tripoli to discuss massive new investment opportunities.
Libya’s Minister of Economy and Trade, Mohamed Al-Hwaij, hosted the Turkish delegation—headed by Hakan Birkan, President of the Businessmen Authority—to explore shifting the bilateral relationship from simple trade exchange to long-term, sustainable investment partnerships.
Focus on Food Security and Industry
The discussions centered on vital sectors, including agriculture, industry, and urban planning. Minister Al-Hwaij emphasized the importance of joint agricultural ventures, specifically targeting grain and fruit production. The goal is to not only satisfy Libya’s domestic market but also to leverage Libya’s strategic location to export surplus products to African markets.
“Turkey is a strategic partner for Libya,” Al-Hwaij stated, noting that the Libyan government is committed to creating an attractive environment for Turkish firms through the incentives provided by Libya’s Investment Law No. 9.
Urban Development and Twinning Agreements
The Turkish delegation, which included Mustafa Işık, the Mayor of Gürsu in Bursa, showcased Turkey’s expertise in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and modern urban development.
To ensure the success of these initiatives, the Minister directed the coordination of “twinning agreements” between Libyan and Turkish municipalities. These agreements aim to facilitate the exchange of technical data, administrative expertise, and best practices in managing economic activities at the local level.
Institutional Networking
The meeting also involved heads of the General Authority for Investment, the Commercial Registry, and the General Authority for Exhibitions. Both sides agreed on the necessity of organizing specialized exhibitions, workshops, and direct B2B meetings to foster direct communication between investors from both nations.
By focusing on urban planning and high-tech agricultural marketing, Turkey aims to cement its role as a key player in Libya’s post-conflict economic reconstruction.