🇱🇾LibyaNorth Africa
Libya and Italy discuss expanding trade, investment, and business environment
via Libya Herald5 min read
Suhail Abu Shiha, Libya's Minister of Economy and Trade, met with Italian Ambassador to Libya, Gianluca Albrini, along with the heads of the Libyan and Italian Chambers of Commerce, Anwar Abu Sitta and Nicola Colicchio, and Fabio Giudici, Director of the Commercial Office at the Italian Embassy. The meeting focused on reviewing trade indicators and existing investment partnerships across various sectors. Discussions also covered mechanisms to enhance cooperation between chambers of commerce and business owners to facilitate trade, increase exchange volume, and strengthen investment. The Minister highlighted the strong Libyan-Italian relations and Rome's support for Libya's economic development, reaffirming the Ministry's commitment to assisting Italian companies and investors entering the Libyan market and participating in government projects. The Italian ambassador praised the Tripoli-based Libyan government's efforts in revitalizing trade and investment, noting its growth and Italy's desire to boost transit trade to European and African markets by leveraging both countries' geographical locations. A workshop on "Libyan-Italian Relations: Towards a Comprehensive and Sustainable Cooperation Model" was also discussed, covering economic and development issues such as oil, renewable energy, agriculture, marine resources, water resources, investment promotion, and export development. Anwar Abusitta stated that the next phase will focus on activating the Joint Chamber of Commerce
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The Libyan Embassy in Syria reported that Walid Ammar, Head of Mission at the Libyan Embassy in Syria, met with Qutaiba Badawi, Head of the Syrian General Authority for Ports and Customs, in Damascus. Samir Al-Shalabi, Chargé d’Affaires of the Syrian Embassy in Tripoli, was also present. The discussion focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation, particularly in customs operations and facilitating trade and maritime transport, to support common interests and develop economic relations. Both sides emphasized the importance of continued coordination and exchange of expertise.
The Libyan Customs Authority announced on April 25 that it has signed a cooperation memorandum with the US company Culmen International. This agreement aims to enhance technical and human capacities within the Customs Authority, particularly at border crossings. The partnership will focus on training programs for customs officers stationed at the Ras Ajdir and Wazen land border crossings with Tunisia. The objective is to improve detection capabilities and supply modern equipment to boost efficiency. The Customs Authority stated that this collaboration supports the adoption of international best practices in inspection and border security, building upon the existing Early Border Detection Project. This initiative is expected to contribute to stronger border control and the protection of the national economy. Culmen International has a history of providing training in Libya since 2019, primarily to the Libyan Civil Aviation and Airports Authority, as part of efforts to lift the EU flight ban.
The Libyan Civil Aviation Authority has approved Ansett Aviation Italia, a Milan-based flight simulator training center, to provide training for Libyan aviation personnel. This approval grants Libyan trainees access to Ansett Aviation Italia’s Approved Training Organization ATO and its AVRO FFS Full Flight Simulator. Located at Milan Malpensa International Airport, the center offers Type Ratings and recurrent training for aircraft such as the AVRO RJ-85/100, Airbus A320, Boeing B737NG, and Viking CL-415. This initiative aims to enhance the operational capabilities of Libyan air operators through high-quality simulator training, supporting the training and qualification framework for the Libyan aviation sector. This development is part of broader efforts in North Africa to improve aviation standards and follows increased cooperation between Italy and Libya on aviation, including a technical agreement signed in March 2025 to train Libyan pilots in Italy to support the restructuring of the Libyan aviation sector.
Tunisia's Ministry of Transport announced the launch of a new regular international shipping line, with the Port of Zarzis receiving its first container ship. This new line connects the Tunisian commercial ports of Zarzis and Rades with Italy's Gioia Tauro and Libya's Tripoli port. The ministry stated that this initiative aims to boost economic activity and trade in southeastern Tunisia, addressing requests from companies in the region involved in export activities through the Zarzis commercial port. It also seeks to encourage investment by reducing transportation costs and transit times and utilizing the port's resources. Additionally, the commercial port of Zarzis is preparing for dredging works by the end of this year to accommodate larger vessels with an 11-meter draft for commercial and cruise ship traffic, while also enhancing maritime navigation safety.