At the sold-out Libya Business Fair held in central London on 20 November, the organisers said they are proud to reflect on its success which was inspiring and underscored the strengthening of UK-Libya partnerships.
The event was organised by the Libyan Business Council (LBC), in partnership with the Libyan British Business Council (LBBC) and in cooperation with the Arab British Chamber of Commerce (ABCC).
The LBC had informed Libya Herald that a high-level trade delegation of more than 80 Libyan businessmen in the various sectors covered by the event would be attending.
The event was officially inaugurated by the ABCC CEO, Bandar Reda, who welcomed attendees and highlighted the importance of strengthening the economic ties between the UK and Libya.
Banking and Finance
In the banking and finance panel, Assad Riyany, Acting CEO of Bank ABC, shared his insights on modernizing Libya’s financial system, together with other panellists including Adrian Pook, who looked at the legal aspects of trading with Libya. Former Conservative MP and government trade envoy Daniel Kawczynski, reflected on his long-held interest on Libyan affairs.
This discussion focused on the steps needed to create a stronger, more sustainable financial sector that can drive Libya’s future growth.
Infrastructure and Tourism
In the infrastructure and tourism session, Alan Rides, CEO of West London Chambers of Commerce, shared his deep insights into Libya’s infrastructure and tourism sectors, drawing from his extensive experience and understanding of the country’s rich history. Other panellist discussed strategies to unlock Libya’s full potential in these vital areas.
The session strongly underlined how developing Libya’s infrastructure and tourism can be key drivers of long-term economic growth and sustainability.
Health and Education
In the health and education session, Hanaa Al Banna, education accreditation specialist, shared her expertise on the benefits of higher education and CRS accreditation, exploring their role in fostering innovation and collaboration. Howard Ware, from Cleveland Clinic London, discussed opportunities for advancing healthcare partnerships between the UK and Libya.
The panel discussed the transformative potential of education and healthcare in strengthening bilateral relations and driving progress.
Energy and Renewables
In the energy and renewables session, former UK Ambassador to Libya and current Chairman of the LBBC, Peter Millett, discussed the immense opportunities in renewable resources, such as solar and wind energy, to drive Libya’s transition towards a sustainable future.
Millett said the UK-Libya Business Fair highlighted the huge opportunities for British companies to support the growth of the private sector in Libya and the modernisation of the Libyan economy. He said the event showed the appetite from Libyan companies to find and work with UK partners and looked forward to further such events.
The session emphasised the role of international collaboration and cutting-edge technologies in shaping a greener and more prosperous energy sector for Libya.
In conclusion, the organisers declared the event a successful inspiring event that underscored the strengthening of UK-Libya partnerships. It further contributed to building a brighter future for UK-Libyan collaboration, fostering connections, and driving impactful change.
Sharing key points during his closing remarks, ABCC Deputy CEO and secretary general, Abdeslam El-idrissi noted the promising prospects for UK-Libya trade and investment, the growth of bilateral relations and new opportunities across all sectors, and Libya’s transformative journey toward innovation and sustainable development.
