A new British-Libyan trade organisation, the British Libyan Business Association (BLBA), was announced yesterday by British Ambassador Caroline Hurndall at the Corinthia hotel, Tripoli
BLBA chairman Jon Hancock told Libya Herald the new trade group will be the first UK trade organisation that is based in Libya since 2014. It will have a permanent base in Libya with a UK/Libyan management committee. Its permanent presence here will make it relevant and agile for the benefit of British and Libyan interests and owners, he added.
Hancock explained that the BLBA’s aim was to work to create and sustain a favourable business environment whilst introducing new trade and investments to both countries that benefit and enhance the common economic interests of it’s member companies, he additionally stated that the Association will be more proactive in re-establishing meaningful engagement between the two countries and in identifying market access barriers and resolving them.
The BLBA also seeks to create what it calls special interest groups that unite entities with common – sector specific – objects and goals. This will be reflected in the organisation of focused trade visits into both countries with several already being planned for next year. He stated that the Association’s aim is to work closely with government, strategic industry partners, sponsors and members to be relevant and agile for the benefit of British and Libyan business and engagement.
