Sirte Free Zone reported yesterday that it is discussing port development and infrastructure projects with China Harbor Engineering Company(CHEC).
This came after Sirte Free Zone management held a series of meetings over two days with a delegation from CHEC, one of China’s leading state companies specialized in marine and onshore infrastructure projects, to discuss opportunities for cooperation in a number of strategic projects in the free zone.
The meetings were chaired by Dr. Mahmoud Al Ferjani, Chairman and Director General of Sirte Free Zone, who stressed during the meeting the importance of partnership with major international companies to support the third phase of the development of Sirte Free Zone Port, and to benefit from Chinese expertise in the field of deep berths construction and port management and operation.
The meetings, held on June 13 and 14, 2025, were attended by a number of directors of departments in the free zone in addition to the National Development Authority. On CHEC’s side, Shi Chihui, Regional Director of CHEC, attended.
At the beginning of the meeting, the Chairman and General Manager noted that the free zone looks forward to a long-term partnership with China and CHEC, especially in the operation and development projects of the port, the establishment of solar farms south of Sirte, and the proposal to establish a medium-scale airport in remote areas of the free zone master plan.
The meeting witnessed an introductory review of the company presented by its regional manager, explaining that CHEC owns more than 80 branches around the world, and is one of the largest contractors in the field of marine works, with existing projects in Arab and African countries, including Egypt, Algeria, Morocco and Cameroon.
The free zone team also gave detailed presentations and explanations of the components of the zone, including the operational aspects of the port, storage areas, service facilities, tourism projects, grain silos, in addition to the strategic road linking Sirte through Sabha to the southern border, which constitutes a vital route for trade with neighbouring African countries.
The two sides discussed possibilities for cooperation in the operation of the port and the supply of specialized equipment such as cranes and tugs, as well as attracting Chinese investors to contribute to future projects. The possibility of partnership in the roads, railways, airports and sustainable agricultural projects, especially those based on solar energy, was also discussed.
The free zone said the meetings witnessed constructive deliberations that reflected the seriousness of the two parties in advancing development and promoting investments in the Sirte Free Zone, and the meetings concluded with an agreement to continue technical consultations in preparation for the signing of future agreements.
