As part of the follow-up on the implementation of the recommendations emerging from the Libyan Tunisian Joint Trade Committee held in Tripoli on 7 and 8 December 2024, a bilateral meeting was held last Wednesday (22 October) in Tunis between the Tripoli based Minister of Economy and Trade, Mohamed Al-Hwej, and the Minister of Trade and Export Development of Tunisia, Samir Obeid.
The meeting was attended by Major General Salem Al-Basir, Director of the Technical Department of the Customs Authority; Ali Ramadan Bin Zeitoun, Director of the Centre for Standards and Metrology; Mohamed Al-Hangari, Chairman of the Libyan Export Development Authority; Samir Al-Mahdi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Libyan Tunisian Chamber of Commerce; Youssef Tantoush, Commercial Attaché at the Libyan Embassy; and several officials from both sides.
The meeting discussed ways to enhance economic and trade cooperation between Libya and Tunisia and follow up on the implementation of what was agreed upon during the Joint Committee’s work, which will contribute to elevating bilateral relations to strategic levels that meet the aspirations of the two brotherly peoples.
Increasing trade and investment, diversifying exports
The two sides emphasized the importance of increasing trade volume, diversifying exports, enhancing cooperation in the areas of investment and transfer of expertise and technology, and facilitating procedures for economic actors. An agreement was reached to prepare a joint roadmap between the Libyan Export Development Authority and the Tunisian Export Promotion Centre to support future economic partnerships.
Adopting a joint approach to African markets
The importance of a joint approach to African markets and activating work within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCF) was also emphasized, contributing to enhancing the competitiveness of Libyan and Tunisian products and supporting sustainable development efforts in both countries.
Agreement to develop cooperation programmes in food and medicine security
The meeting also included an agreement to develop cooperation programmes in the areas of food and medicine security, and to discuss legal solutions to the problems facing citizens in both countries, emphasizing the need for reciprocity.
At the conclusion of the meetings, agreed-upon practical steps to implement the recommendations and follow up on areas of cooperation were adopted. The two parties agreed to complete preparations for holding the 24th session of the Libyan Tunisian Committee in Tripoli as soon as possible.
During his visit to Tunisia, Al-Hwej also met with Tunisian Prime Minister Sara Zaafrani, who commended the efforts of the assembled committees and supported the path of bilateral cooperation. She affirmed the Tunisian government’s keenness to strengthen economic and trade relations with Libya.
