The fourth edition of the Libyan-Egyptian Business Forum, held in Alexandria, Egypt, under the theme “Egypt and Libya Towards Integrated Sustainable Development,” saw significant Libyan participation. Al-Jawf Free Zone, Al-Watan Holding Company, and the Benghazi Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture all took part, as Libya seeks to bolster regional cooperation.
Libya’s involvement came at the invitation of the General Union of Libyan Chambers of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture. The aim is to strengthen bilateral partnerships, activate the role of the private sector, and open up to regional and international markets, amidst high-level attendance from government representatives and business leaders from both sides.
Strategic vision for Libya as an international transport hub
In his address at the forum, Captain Mohamed Al-Osheibi, Chairman of Al-Watan Shipping Agencies and representative of Al-Jawf Free Zone, underscored the strategic vision to position Libya as a pivotal hub in international transport. This vision specifically targets landlocked neighbouring countries as part of plans to develop transit trade.
Al-Osheibi highlighted the firm commitment of both the company and Al-Jawf Free Zone to implement the General Command’s policies. These policies aim to achieve the objectives of Libya Vision 2030, with a particular focus on empowering public-private partnerships as a catalyst for development.
Dr. Majed Al-Hassiya, Chairman of Al-Watan for Transport and Logistics Services, reviewed the vital role of Al-Watan Holding Company – affiliated with the Libyan Armed Forces – in bolstering logistical security. This is achieved through managing Al-Jawf convoys and providing integrated transport services in adherence to local and international operational standards.
Al-Hassiya emphasised the urgent need to modernise the transport sector’s infrastructure to meet the demands of international transit trade and enhance Libya’s competitiveness as a regional logistical corridor.
In the same context, Engineer Mosaab Kanoun, Board Member and Operations Manager at the company, showcased Al-Watan Transport’s key achievements. He pointed to significant successes in import and export operations with neighbouring countries, as well as remarkable progress in digital transformation using smart applications for logistics operations management.
Benghazi Chamber highlights partnership expansion and private sector role
For its part, the Benghazi Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture affirmed its participation in the forum as part of its strategic vision to strengthen regional relations and enable the private sector to fulfil its developmental role.
The Chamber stressed that its primary goal is to expand international partnerships that bolster the national economy and contribute to supporting stability and sustainable development in Libya.
Egyptian calls for broader strategic partnership and addressing challenges
In his speech, Ahmed El Wakeel, President of the Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce, affirmed the historical and deep-rooted Egyptian-Libyan relations. He noted that Egyptian exports to Libya have exceeded $2 billion, making Libya the top African and third-largest Arab destination for Egyptian exports.
However, he expressed concern over a 25% decline in the number of Libyan companies operating in Egypt, now totalling only 511. He called for addressing challenges such as delayed opening of bank credits and settlement of debts to ensure the continuity of economic cooperation.
He also revealed the completion of studies for establishing a global logistics centre near the Salloum border crossing in the Al-Hadaba region. This centre will aim to support bilateral trade and expand it towards neighbouring markets, integrating with regional transport networks including the Mediterranean corridor and the “Alexandria-Cape Town” road.
El Wakeel called for the transition of Libyan-Egyptian relations from a bilateral framework to a broader African strategic partnership, especially given the immense opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area, whose market value exceeds $1.4 trillion.
He highlighted a significant opportunity for integrating Egyptian expertise with Libyan capital in implementing vital projects across sectors such as transport, ports, food industries, petrochemicals, and building materials. He also reiterated his call for the return of over two million Egyptian workers to Libya, which would serve the economies of both countries.
Libya’s participation in this forum comes at a time when the importance of economic integration between Libya and Egypt is growing, particularly amid current regional shifts. This is evident in both countries’ urgent need to intensify cooperation in transport, logistics, and investment, thereby effectively contributing to building robust partnerships that achieve desired sustainable development, stability, and regional integration
