Part one of the Libya France Business Forum 2026 officially kicked off last Tuesday (14 April) in southern French city of Marseille, with broad and high-level participation from economic institutions and business leaders from Libya and Franch.
The opening session was attended by the Chargé d’affaires of the Libyan Embassy Libya in France, Mohamed Hamouda, the French Ambassador to Libya, the French Ambassador for the Mediterranean region, and the Vice President of the Marseille Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Aix-Marseille-Provence CCIAMP).
In their remarks, the speakers emphasized the importance of developing bilateral economic relations between the two countries, supporting the return of French companies to the Libyan market, enhancing the investment environment, and building sustainable strategic partnerships.
In his speech, the Chargé d’affaires of the Libyan Embassy in France highlighted the symbolic significance of holding the forum in Marseille, near the Old Port, which has historically served as a bridge for commercial and cultural exchange across the Mediterranean. He stressed the importance of leveraging this legacy to build more effective economic cooperation.
The Unified Development Programme and 52nd Tripoli International Fair
He also reviewed several positive indicators in Libya, including the achievement of an agreement to unify public spending at the state level, which enhances economic stability and strengthens investor confidence. He further noted the upcoming 52nd edition of the Tripoli International Fair, coinciding with its centenary, with broad international participation, while emphasizing the importance of increasing the participation of French companies in such events.
Direct flight between the two countries and simplifying visa procedures essential
He praised the progress made in updating travel advisories to Libya, expressing the Libyan side’s aspiration for further improvements to facilitate business travel. He also underscored the importance of establishing direct flight routes between the two countries and simplifying visa procedures from within Libya as essential steps to support economic cooperation.
The forum brings together a distinguished group of officials and business leaders from both countries to discuss opportunities for cooperation in trade, infrastructure, healthcare, and technology, in addition to organizing bilateral meetings aimed at translating these discussions into practical projects.
This forum, the Tripoli Foreign Ministry said, represents an important milestone in advancing Libyan–French relations toward a new phase based on effective economic cooperation, serving mutual interests and promoting stability and prosperity in the Mediterranean region.
The second leg of the Libya France Business Forum 2026 will be held on 16 April in Paris.
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