The General Union of Libyan Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, in partnership with the Arab-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the German Embassy in Libya, organized the Second Libyan-German Economic Forum with the participation of several German companies, Libyan business leaders and relevant public institutions.
The opening was in the presence of the Tripoli-based Libyan Prime Minister Abd Alhamid Aldabaiba, the President of the General Union of Libyan Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, Mohamed Al-Raied, the German Ambassador to Tripoli, Michael Ohnmacht, and the Member of the German Bundestag, Karamba Diaby.
Working to activate role of German companies
The head of the Arab-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Ghorfa), Abdulaziz Al-Mikhlafi, said in his opening speech that Ghorfa are working in cooperation with everyone to activate the role of German companies in the construction and development that started in Libya, noting that economic cooperation between Germany and Libya has a long history.
Libyan-German economic relations have continuity
For his part, prime minister Abdul Alhamid Aldabaiba, affirmed his support for economic forums that are held in Libya in order to activate the partnership between Libyan private and public sector companies with foreign companies. This includes German companies that have a good position in several sectors inside Libya and have implemented several different projects during the decades. He praised the history of Libyan-German economic relations and their continuity despite the circumstances that our country went through.
Second forum building on foundations of the first forum
Speaking exclusively to Libya Herald, the President of the General Union of Libyan Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, Mohamed Al-Raied, said that the organization of this forum comes for the second time in a row in partnership between the Libyan Union of Chambers of Commerce and the Arab-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
He said last year’s first forum contributed to laying the foundations on which several understandings were built with the German side regarding the entry of German companies to work in Libya with the resumption of companies that have existing stalled projects.
Germany is an important, indispensable strategic partner for Libya
Al-Raied highlighted the importance of cooperation with German companies that are distinguished by the speed and quality of work and production, including contracting and construction companies that have previous experience inside Libya and have implemented several infrastructure projects and public and private buildings.
This, he continued, is in addition to the work of German companies in the oil sector since the fifties, and therefore Germany is an important, indispensable, strategic partner for Libya, like several other European countries that have permanent trade relations with Libya.
Forums, conferences help build confidence in Libya
He added that it is not possible to build strategic partnerships and restore confidence in the Libyan economy except through conferences and economic forums with countries that have political and economic weight, such as Germany. From these, understandings begin with the building of new partnerships that benefit all parties and restore the Libyan economy to its vitality and activity.
Mechanisms will be agreed for German contribution in construction
He revealed that with the provision of a good atmosphere by the government, on the side-lines of the forum, an understanding will be made on the appropriate mechanisms for the contribution of German companies in the construction and reconstruction operations in Libya.
Renewable energy projects with Germany
Al-Raied also revealed that working sessions will be held on business opportunities for German companies in energy, and especially renewable energies, which Libya seeks to produce and export, with the participation of the German side, which is distinguished by the scientific and technical expertise necessary for these projects.
