Pakistan’s Ambassador-Designate to Libya, Major General (Retd) Mumtaz Hussain, has pledged to increase Pakistani exports to Libya and double the number of Pakistani workers in the country from about 20,000 to 40,000.
Hussain announced the plan during a seminar titled “Enhancing Pakistan-Libya Trade and Economic Cooperation,” organised by the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Figures from the State Bank of Pakistan for the 2025–26 financial year showed that Pakistan exported goods worth approximately $13.1 million to Libya while importing around $1.1 million from the North African country.
Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Faheemur Rehman Saigol said the current level of trade remained far below the potential of the two countries. Given the size of their economies and the complementary nature of their markets, bilateral trade could exceed $1 billion, he said.
Hussain described his diplomatic assignment as a mission to reconnect Pakistani companies with the Libyan market and create stronger commercial links between business communities in both countries.
He said Libya offers considerable opportunities despite concerns over political and security conditions. With a population of more than seven million, significant purchasing power and large reconstruction requirements, the Libyan market could provide Pakistani companies with access to a wide range of sectors.
The ambassador-designate also announced that Lucky Cement was in the final stages of establishing a cement plant in Libya. He said the project represented an encouraging sign for Pakistani investment and could pave the way for other companies to enter the Libyan market.
Hussain also raised concerns about the sharp decline in the number of Pakistani workers in Libya. The Pakistani workforce previously ranged between 80,000 and 90,000 people but has fallen to approximately 15,000–20,000.
He said efforts would be made to increase the number to 40,000 by addressing employment, travel and administrative obstacles.
The diplomat pledged to work with Pakistani and Libyan authorities to resolve problems involving banking channels, visa procedures and market access. He also said the Pakistani Embassy in Libya would remain available to support genuine investment proposals and commercial initiatives.
Saigol called for the strong political relationship between Pakistan and Libya to be transformed into a broader economic partnership.
He identified value-added textiles, surgical instruments, processed food, sports goods, engineering products, construction materials and information technology services as promising areas for Pakistani exporters.
Pakistani companies could also pursue joint ventures in Libya’s oil and gas services, infrastructure and reconstruction sectors, he added.
The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry said it would support business-to-business meetings, trade delegations, exhibitions and the exchange of market information between Pakistani and Libyan companies.
Hussain urged Pakistani entrepreneurs to enter the Libyan market before international competitors secure a larger share of emerging opportunities.
He said stronger cooperation between governments, companies and investors could significantly increase Pakistan-Libya trade and create new employment and investment opportunities in both countries.