The Libyan capital, Tripoli, is hosting the "Korea-Libya Economic Cooperation Forum 2026" on September 27–28. The event brings together Libyan institutions, companies, and representatives from the Korean industrial sector to discuss economic cooperation opportunities and the development of joint projects and partnerships across various fields.
Held under the theme "Building Strategic Partnerships for Sustainable Growth," the forum aims to align Libya’s development priorities with Korean industrial capabilities and expertise. It also seeks to facilitate direct dialogue regarding cooperation needs, potential projects, and mechanisms for joint action.
The forum’s activities kick off on the evening of Sunday, September 27, with a reception marking the National Day of the Republic of Korea, followed by a networking dinner. The main proceedings will take place on Monday, September 28, at a leading hotel in Tripoli, featuring plenary sessions, a working lunch, and bilateral meetings between companies and institutions.
"Renewing the Korea-Libya Partnership in a Changing World"
The forum’s first session will focus on the theme "Renewing the Korea-Libya Partnership in a Changing World." Participants include Cho Woo-suk, Chargé d'affaires at the Korean Embassy in Libya; Suhail Abu Shiha, Minister of Economy and Trade; Mohamed Raied, Chairman of the General Union of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture; Yoon Young-gi, Deputy Director-General for African and Middle Eastern Affairs at the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Husni Bey, Chairman of the HB Group.
"From Innovation to Partnership"
The second session, titled "From Innovation to Partnership," will discuss ways to align Korean capabilities and expertise with Libyan priorities. Participants will include the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), the Libyan-Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and representatives from LG and Samsung.
Ashraf Al-Thalthi, founder and Chairman of the Libyan-Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LKCCI), stated that the forum offers a significant opportunity to foster direct engagement between the Libyan and Korean business communities. It paves the way for exploring cooperation and partnership opportunities based on the Libyan market's needs and development priorities.
Al-Thalthi added that the forum’s importance goes beyond the mere exchange of views; it facilitates direct meetings between companies and institutions and helps identify viable projects and opportunities. This enables a transition from initial engagement to concrete steps in trade, investment, and technical cooperation.
Bilateral business meetings and discussions with institutions
The afternoon session is dedicated to bilateral business meetings and discussions with institutions. These sessions aim to identify cooperation opportunities, understand priority projects and the practical needs of Libyan entities, and explore potential tenders, joint ventures, technical cooperation, and partnership arrangements.
The forum is organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Libya, the Libyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and the General Union of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture in Libya, in collaboration with the Libyan-Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The forum serves as a platform to connect Libyan companies and institutions with their Korean counterparts and to explore opportunities for technical, investment, and trade cooperation, with a focus on moving from dialogue to identifying projects and practical follow-up opportunities.