Hassan Barkani, President of the Casablanca-Settat Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Services, received a Libyan delegation at the Chamber’s headquarters. The delegation included representatives from the Tripoli Chamber of Commerce, the Minister’s Advisor, and the Director of the International Cooperation Office at the Ministry of Economy and Trade. Also present were the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Misrata Chamber of Commerce, and the Commercial Attaché at the Libyan Embassy in Morocco.
Simplify trade, facilitate visas and organise joint economic events
This visit aims to strengthen economic and trade relations between the two countries, encourage the private sector, and activate investment and trade partnerships. Discussions also focused on practical mechanisms to simplify trade procedures and increase the volume of trade in goods and services to serve mutual interests. The meeting also addressed ways to facilitate visa procedures for businesspeople and organize joint economic events to enhance communication between Libyan and Moroccan business leaders.
An exhibition of Moroccan industries in Tripoli
Anwar Abusitta , the head of Tripoli Chamber extended an invitation to the Casablanca Chamber to allocate space for an exhibition of Moroccan industries in Tripoli, with the assurance that the Tripoli Chamber would cover all expenses related to the space. The Chamber also expressed its readiness to form delegations of businesspeople and investors to visit Morocco and explore opportunities for cooperation.
Establishing a direct air route and a commercial shipping line
For her part, Shadhar Al-Sayed, the Minister’s Advisor, and the Director of the International Cooperation Office at the Ministry of Economy and Trade, emphasized the importance of establishing a direct air route and a commercial shipping line between Libya and Morocco, given their role in facilitating trade and stimulating transit trade. She pointed out that the cost of shipping Libyan goods to Morocco is high due to the lack of a direct route, a burden ultimately borne by the Moroccan consumer. She also explained that the Moroccan business sector, represented by the Chambers of Commerce, should raise this request with government authorities to streamline the relevant procedures.
Banking complexities in both countries and the lack of bank guarantees
Attendees also highlighted the importance of supporting the private sector and attracting investments, noting that Libyan products – particularly dates, with a production of approximately 150,000 tons – represent a promising opportunity for the Moroccan market. They also pointed out the challenges faced by Libyan exporters due to banking complexities in both countries and the lack of guarantees, which exposes them to the risks of direct transfers, sometimes resulting in cases of non-payment after goods have been received.
Moroccan Libyan Forum for Trade and Free Zones in Casablanca in January 2026
At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides agreed to organize the Moroccan-Libyan Forum for Trade and Free Zones in Casablanca in January 2026, with the participation of several African countries, with the aim of strengthening regional cooperation and opening new horizons for economic partnership.
