As part of an investment promotion tour organized by Misrata Free Zone (MFZ) in Rome, the zone's delegation held a series of bilateral business-to-business meetings with representatives from over 100 Italian companies yesterday.
The aim was to showcase available investment and trade opportunities and enhance prospects for cooperation and partnership between the two sides.
In an exclusive statement to Libya Herald, Alaa El-Din Baba, MFZ’s Director of Marketing and International Relations, confirmed that the significant turnout at the business meetings in Rome reflects the growing interest of the Italian private sector in the Libyan market, particularly in the advantages offered by MFZ as a regional hub for investment and trade.
The meetings, under the slogan “Misrata Free Zone: Africa’s Gateway for Italian Companies.” provided a direct platform for communication between the MFZ delegation and Italian business leaders. A comprehensive presentation was given highlighting the competitive advantages of MFZ, including its strategic location on the Mediterranean Sea, its advanced infrastructure, and the investment incentives and facilities it offers.
The meetings also addressed promising opportunities in several vital sectors, most notably manufacturing, logistics, re-export, energy, and maritime industries. Discussions also focused on the potential for launching joint investment projects that would contribute to strengthening economic cooperation between Libya and Italy.
Baba added that, “We witnessed genuine interest from Italian companies in learning more about the investment opportunities available in MFZ. The business meetings provided an important opportunity to move from the initial introduction phase to discussing practical cooperation opportunities across various sectors. We are working to build sustainable partnerships with Italian investors, leveraging the Free Zone’s strategic location as a gateway connecting Europe to Libyan and African markets.”
He explained that the promotional tour aims to expand the network of international partners and attract high-quality investments that contribute to supporting economic development. He emphasized that MFZ offers a competitive business environment and a range of incentives that make it an attractive destination for investors wishing to establish or expand their businesses in the region.
The discussions highlighted the growing role of MFZ as a strategic platform for Italian companies seeking to expand their presence in the Libyan market and launch from there towards African markets, which enhances trade and investment and opens new horizons for economic cooperation between the two countries.
The forum was organised by MFZ, in cooperation with the Libyan-Italian Joint Chamber of Commerce and the Italian Confederation of Industries for Africa and the Mediterranean (Confindustria Africa & Mediterraneo).
Attendees included Senator Marco Scoria, President of the Parliamentary Group "Friends of Libya"; the Italian Ambassador to Libya, Gianluca Alberini; the President of the Libyan-Italian Joint Chamber of Commerce, Nicola Colicchi; and the Director General of the Italian Confederation of Industries for Africa and the Mediterranean, Patrizia Mauro, along with a number of officials, diplomats, and business representatives from both countries.
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