Tripoli_ At a meeting with German Ambassador Oliver Owcza, the newly appointed Minister of Economics Mohamed Hwaij stressed that Libya has the desire to jump-start cooperation with Germany and is looking for a long-term partnership.
Both Hwaij took part in the Third Libyan-German Economic Experts Forum opened Monday morning in Tripoli. “Germany is considered to be one of the most important trade partners with Libya,” he added.
On his part, Owcza said German companies are willing to resume work in Libya saying Berlin can help in addressing electricity shortages, develop renewable energy and diversify the economy.
The forum which is being held within less than a month since the new Government of National Unity has sworn in sends a positive signal as to the expectations for the future of business in Libya, especially as it seems to be moving forward into a stable and peaceful phase leaving behind a decade of chaos and violence.
Hwaij called on German companies to return to Libya for the completion of contracted projects that have been stalled for a decade and contribute to the rebuilding of the country.
He pointed at the importance of Libya’s geographic location in economic and trade terms and called on the German companies and government to help in training Libyans by establishing modern training centers for Libyans. He also called on Germany to make it easier for Libyan businessmen to obtain entry visas.
The Forum, organized by the General Union of Libyan Chambers of Commerce (GULCC) and the German Luthardt Group, took place one of Tripoli hotels was attended by the National Oil Corporation (NOC) and a number of economic experts and businessmen.