In an interview with the Italian news agency Nova last Tuesday (30 September), Italian businessman Nicolas Giacalone announced the launch of the first joint Italian Libyan company to export fish to European markets.
Giacalone is the CEO of Italian company Medina and owner of the Rosso di Mazara brand. Giacalone claimed he had already obtained operating permits from the Tripoli based Libyan interim government.
The Medina CEO said that the project received support from Italian institutions and the diplomatic mission in Tripoli, which supported the launch of the new initiative.
According to Giacalone, the new joint venture will be called the “Mediterranean Bridge Company,” arising from a partnership between Medina and the Libyan Shrimp Fishing Company, and will operate in the Misrata Free Zone.
He explained that “the project does not only aim to export Libyan fish products but rather is a broader cooperation agreement aimed at transferring skills and technologies to develop the local sector.”
Packing facility in Misrata Free Zone and training for young fishermen
Giacalone further revealed that “a fish processing and packaging facility will be built in Misrata Free Zone, using advanced digital technologies to ensure quality and efficiency.” The cooperation agreement also aims to enhance local skills: training programmes will be developed for young fishermen in Libyan vocational schools, including hours of practical training at sea.
Added value will be created through a new brand: Marsablu
This partnership aims to create “added value” in the local market. To this end, the “Marsablu” brand will be created, a regional co-brand whose adoption by Libyan companies operating in this sector will ensure sustainability, food safety, and quality standards are met, according to the Italian businessman.
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