Former British Ambassador to Libya Peter Millett debunks three myths on Benghazi during recent trade visit

Commenting on the recent visit to Benghazi from 12 to 16 June, the former British Ambassador to Libya and current head of the Libyan British Business Council (LBBC), Peter Millett said it was ‘‘Excellent visit to Benghazi with a Libya British Business Council trade delegation meeting economic institutions and companies in the east of Libya.’’Millett said the visit ‘‘debunked 3 myths’’.

‘‘First myth: Benghazi is unsafe. Not so: We travelled freely in and around the city with no security problems. We saw families out in the evening shopping and eating. Business contacts told us they are investing because it is safe.

‘‘Second myth: Libya’s economy is only hydrocarbons. Not so. We saw evidence of new businesses in many different sectors, major investments in manufacturing and construction and small start-ups.

‘‘Third myth: Public sector jobs are preferred. Not so: We met hundreds of private sector businesspeople creating new jobs for Libyans. The private sector is buzzing with new ideas, products and services’’.