Commenting on the US-Libya Executive Health Roundtable she organised yesterday in Washington DC, AmCham Libya president, Debbie Hirst told Libya Herald today ‘‘The best way to increase trade between Libya and the U.S. is to increase direct interactions’’.
She said ‘‘Libya is in the process of reconnecting with the world, and we want Libya to connect with the US. Minister Abu Janah has expressed his desire for Libyans to receive the best the world has to offer in healthcare. Different from many countries, Libya has the financial means to achieve this. Libya has huge needs and U.S. goods and services are perceived very positively in Libya, so this is an excellent opportunity for U.S. companies. We face strong competition from other countries, but that’s ok because U.S. companies like to compete.’’
U.S. government now facilitating business travel to the U.S.
Hirst said ‘‘The first step is for Libyans to know what U.S. companies have to offer. Very recently there has been an important development, led by the U.S. government, to facilitate the travel of Libyans for business purposes to the U.S.
World of Concrete in Las Vegas
‘‘As examples, in January 2023 AmCham supported the participation of 40+ Libyans to the World of Concrete event in Las Vegas. This is an event that receives 60,000 visitors each year, and this year Libyans were able to attend as well, perhaps for the first time.
Offshore Technology Conference this May
‘‘AmCham is supporting Libyan participation at the OTC (Offshore Technology Conference) in Texas this May. OTC is the largest oil and gas sector trade show in the world, and this year 60+ Libyans are attending thanks to U.S. government and AmCham efforts.
Poultry sector trade show in Morocco in May
‘‘Libyans are attending a U.S. government sponsored poultry sector trade show in Morocco in also in May. The event organizers had been wanting to reach out to Libyans but didn’t know how to. AmCham Libya, being on the ground in Libya, was able to identify candidates for them.
Several of our U.S. AmCham members are having client events in the U.S., and now we are able to support delegations from Libya, which we are thrilled about.
AmCham increasing interaction
The best way to increase trade between Libya and the U.S. is to increase direct interactions, and that is what we are doing. Our goal is to help Libya take the place it deserves on the world stage, and these types of activities are part of the journey.
‘‘The US-Libya Executive Health Roundtable held yesterday in DC is a landmark event for both AmCham and Libya. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business organization, and yesterday it was hosting Libya. The event is unique for many reasons. It was initiated at the suggestion of Minister Abu Janah who wanted to actively engage with U.S. healthcare companies. The U.S. Chamber in Washington D.C. enthusiastically embraced the idea. There are over 100 AmChams around the world, so it is not every day that there is the opportunity to be hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in the U.S.
It is also extremely importantly to note, AmCham Libya received the support of the U.S. Embassy and Department of Commerce, through the participation of Ambassador Norland and Rachel Billingslea, Executive Director, Middle East and Africa, U.S. Department of Commerce, in the event.
AmCham Libya is honoured by the interest of the Libyan government seeking out U.S. companies and we look forward to helping create a positive future for Libya.’’
