A delegation from the Turkish-Libyan Business Council, part of the Turkish Foreign Economic Relations Board, met with officials in Benghazi to discuss overcoming obstacles to current projects and investments. The delegation, led by the chair of the Turkish-Libyan Business Council Murtaza Karanfil, visited Benghazi where they met with Ali Al-Saidi, the Investment Minister of the government appointed by the House of Representatives, the Mayor of Benghazi, Saqr Bu Jwari, and the head of the Benghazi Chamber of Commerce, Mumen Al-Saidi, among other company and sector representatives, according to the Turkish news agency Anadolu.
Karanfil stated that the visit, sponsored by the Turkish Ambassador to Tripoli, Guven Begic, and the Trade Counselor at the Turkish Embassy, Yusuf Yildiz, and in cooperation with the Benghazi Chamber of Commerce, aimed to enhance Turkish-Libyan relations and increase trade cooperation between the countries. They held meetings with officials in Benghazi to discuss ways to boost mutual investments and ease the current investment and project hurdles.
Karanfil expressed appreciation for the opening of the Turkish General Consulate in Benghazi, praising the municipal council’s decision to name the street where the consulate is located “Istanbul Alley.” He noted that throughout history, Turkey and Libya have been countries that complement each other and have paved the way for one another. Karanfil emphasized that the countries are poised to continue this beneficial relationship into the future.
Describing Libya as strategically important for Turkey, he concluded that “this visit is a significant step in enhancing economic and trade cooperation between the two countries.”
In April, the Turkish Ministry of Trade revealed the scale of projects undertaken by the Turkish construction sector abroad, including Libya, over nearly half a century. Libya ranked fourth globally with completed projects worth $30.8 billion. Russia topped the list with projects valued at $102.1 billion, followed by Turkmenistan with $53.4 billion, and Iraq with $34.6 billion.
On April 5, the Turkish company “Terminal Yapi” signed a memorandum of understanding with the Libyan authorities to rehabilitate and operate Tripoli International Airport in the Libyan capital.
