New National Strategy to Boost Libyan Economy Through Free Zones and Transit Trade
The Libyan Ministry of Economy and Trade cooperates with international experts from the French Professional and Technical Association (www.ExpertiseFrance.fr) and, with the support of the European Union (EU), finalized an in-depth national free zone and transit trade strategy. The strategy aims to revitalize and develop the Libyan economy by attracting foreign and local investment, increasing exports and trade, diversifying the economy and creating new jobs.
“The National Free Zones and Transit Trade Strategy represents a roadmap for strengthening and diversifying the Libyan economy,” said Mr. Nouri Al-Qatati, Deputy Minister for Free Zone Affairs at the Ministry of Economy and Trade of Libya. “Attracting investment, creating jobs and leveraging Libya’s potential as a regional trade hub are top priorities for the Ministry of Economy and Trade. We commend the Free Zone team for their dedication and the French Expertise Association for their strong support in developing this strong strategy.”
The strategy takes a comprehensive approach, recognizing Libya’s economic strengths and weaknesses and identifying promising opportunities and potential threats. It proposes solutions to existing challenges, including a review of current free zone and trade legislation and investment regulations. The strategy emphasizes the importance of public-private partnerships, focusing on infrastructure and spatial development, legislative reform, and attracting investment through effective mechanisms.
“The ‘E-nable’ project, through its activities, brings Libya closer to achieving the goal of building a resilient economy through economic diversification and sustainable development. The national free zones and transit trade strategy will increase understanding of the structure of the Libyan economy and strengthen the sector and promote the development of new sectors. The EU’s partnership with French expertise continues to successfully support Libyan institutions in creating enabling conditions for the private sector to flourish.”said His Excellency Nicolas Orlando, EU Ambassador to Libya.
A dedicated team of Libyan experts from the Ministry of Economy and Trade, the Ministry of Planning, the Ministry of Transport, Customs, the Urban Planning Authority and free zone representatives developed the National Free Zone and Transit Trade Strategy. E-NABLE (https://apo-opa.co/41olHAj) project, the Libyan team began a journey of cooperation in 2023 and 2024. Numerous workshops held in Libya and abroad facilitated important discussions and exchange of ideas, ensuring that the strategy is aligned with international best practice. The Libyan team further deepened their knowledge through inspections (https://apo-opa.co/41qjeVU) to Morocco’s successful Tangier Free Zone to gain valuable real-world insights.
“Our collaboration with the Ministry of Economy and Trade on the Free Zones and Transit Trade Strategy demonstrates the French expertise’s commitment to supporting Libya’s sustainable and diversified economic development” Mr. Maxime Bost, Libya Project Director of Expertise France, delivered a speech. We believe this strategy is key to unlocking significant economic opportunities in Libya, and we are honored to support this transformative journey. ”
With the strategy now finalized, the Ministry of Economy and Trade is ready to launch a comprehensive, 15-year phased implementation plan. This structured approach will ensure the targeted rollout of free zones across Libya. Working closely with relevant stakeholders, the ministry will develop specific action plans for each economic zone, secure resources and unlock their potential to stimulate economic growth and attract booming investments.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Expertise France.
touch:
Sarah Bellarmine
Communications Officer – Expertise French Libyan Economic Plan
sarah.belamin@expertisefrance.fr
+218946660453
About the European Union:
European Union It consists of 27 member countries that decided to gradually pool their expertise, resources and destiny. After more than 50 years of eastward expansion, they have collectively established a stable, democratic and sustainable region while maintaining cultural diversity, tolerance and individual freedoms. The EU is determined to share its achievements and values with countries and peoples beyond its borders.
About French expertise:
Expertise France It is the French public agency responsible for international technical assistance. It aims to contribute to sustainable development based on solidarity and inclusivity, primarily by improving the quality of public policies in partner countries.
Expertise France is using highly qualified national and international experts to implement a series of EU-funded projects in the Libyan economic sector. These projects include the SLEIDSE, EU4PSL, PAMRI and Raqam-e projects, which have successfully raised awareness about entrepreneurship and coding, supported the private sector, engaged and empowered civil society organizations and women entrepreneurs, and facilitated access to finance .
About E-NABLE:
enable is a three-year project funded by the European Union and implemented by Expertise France. It aims to enhance the capacity of key economic institutions to achieve a sustainable, diversified and digital economy, institutionalizing private sector economic growth with the support of private and public sector organizations.
