The Canadian government has to offered to help restore and develop Libya’s economy, particularly the oil sector. The offer was made . . .[restrict]by Canadian Trade Minister Ed Fast during a meeting in the capital Tripoli with Libyan Oil and Gas Minister Abdulrahman Ben Yazza. Oil production is a major industry in Canada.
Fast, Canada’s Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, wrapped up a three-day visit to Libya on January 30. He led a trade mission of 15 companies to help Canadian business re-engage with the country following the revolution.
“My trade mission to Libya builds on Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s commitment to helping the country transition to a peaceful democracy based on the rule of law and respect for human rights,” said Minister Fast. “I am here to help Canadian companies restore and build new business partnerships with Libyans that will foster stability and prosperity and contribute to the country’s rebuilding.
“By working with local partners, Canadian firms will help Libyans reinvigorate their economy, which in turn will create jobs and prosperity for Canadians and Libyans alike.
During the visit, Fast also met with a number of other ministers including Economy and Trade Minister Ahmed Koshli and Naim Ghariani, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research. With the latter there were discussions on the Libyan student scholarship program in Canada. There are approximately 600 Libyan students currently studying in Canadian universities and colleges. Over the years many thousands of Libyans have studied in Canada, among them Electricity Minister Awad Barasa and Communications and Information Minister Anwar Elfituri.
[/restrict]
