Latest news with #BelgassemHaftar
Libya Review
3 days ago
- Business
- Libya Review
Libya's Parliament Speaker Praises Reconstruction Fund's Unprecedented Achievements
Libyan Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ageela Saleh, praised the accomplishments of the Libya Development and Reconstruction Fund during a meeting held to mark Eid al-Adha. The meeting was attended by the Fund's Director General, Belgassem Haftar, and the Prime Minister of the Libyan government, Osama Hammad. According to an official statement issued by the Fund, the discussion focused on reviewing completed and ongoing development projects across several Libyan cities, with attention to future initiatives planned for the months ahead. During the meeting, Ageela Saleh commended the Fund's work, describing its achievements as 'unprecedented' and emphasizing their significant impact on multiple Libyan regions. He noted that the Fund's efforts have contributed to job creation, infrastructure upgrades, and urban renewal — outcomes that are crucial for restoring stability and improving daily life in war-affected communities. The Speaker reaffirmed his full support for the Development and Reconstruction Fund, stressing the need to maintain transparency and ensure balanced implementation of projects throughout the country. He called for continued cooperation between national institutions to align reconstruction efforts with public needs and long-term growth goals. Haftar and his team reiterated their commitment to executing the Fund's projects efficiently and to the highest standards. The leadership affirmed that work would continue across housing, healthcare, transport, and public service sectors in line with the development framework endorsed by parliament.
Libya Review
3 days ago
- Business
- Libya Review
Over 100 Italian Companies to Attend Libya Investment Forum in Benghazi
Benghazi is preparing to host a major Libyan-Italian Economic Forum from June 24 to 27, signaling renewed interest among Italian companies in investing in eastern Libya. Organized by the Italian-Libyan Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Libya's Reconstruction and Development Fund, headed by Belgassem Haftar, the forum comes just after Libya's House of Representatives approved a long-awaited development budget. According to Nicola Colicchi, president of the Italian-Libyan Chamber of Commerce, the event reflects growing economic confidence in the region. Despite ongoing instability in western Libya, he noted that eastern Libya is offering a more stable environment for investment. Colicchi, a seasoned entrepreneur with deep knowledge of Libya's markets, emphasized that Italian goods and services remain highly valued in the country. Italian participation is expected to be broad, with over 100 companies registered to attend. These firms represent a wide range of sectors, including construction, infrastructure, engineering, healthcare, urban planning, logistics, agriculture, energy, and tourism. The initiative aims to facilitate direct partnerships between Libyan institutions and experienced Italian companies with a strong record of delivering in complex markets. The forum also serves as an entry point to wider African markets. Colicchi described Cyrenaica (eastern Libya) as a strategic hub, connecting Europe with sub-Saharan Africa. He also praised Italy's recent diplomatic engagement, noting that Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni remains the only European leader to have visited Benghazi in recent years. Colicchi identified Belqasem Haftar as one of Libya's most important economic actors, citing his leadership in post-crisis reconstruction and his supervision of public investment projects in Derna and other cities. The Reconstruction Fund, he said, is becoming a reliable partner for foreign investors seeking long-term opportunities in Libya. Tags: benghaziInvestment ForumItalian Firmslibya
Libya Review
02-05-2025
- Business
- Libya Review
Libya's Belgassem Haftar Meets French FM in Paris
The Director General of Libya's Reconstruction and Development Fund, Belgassem Haftar, met on Friday with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot and France's Special Envoy to Libya, Paul Soler, at the Foreign Ministry in Paris. The high-level discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation between Libya and France across key sectors, particularly in areas linked to reconstruction and economic development. The meeting underscored France's interest in supporting Libya's rebuilding efforts amid ongoing stabilisation initiatives across the country. According to a statement released following the meeting, both parties agreed on the need to create favourable conditions for greater French business engagement in Libya. The discussions included practical mechanisms for enhancing the presence of French companies, particularly in infrastructure, energy, and urban development projects. Haftar emphasised Libya's commitment to strategic partnerships with international allies to accelerate post-conflict recovery. He also expressed appreciation for France's longstanding diplomatic and economic support for Libya and called for increased technical collaboration to help modernise national infrastructure. The French side reiterated its support for Libya's unity and stability and highlighted the role of international cooperation in helping Libya recover from years of conflict. Minister Barrot noted that the French government is ready to facilitate business links and provide assistance to boost Libya's institutional capacities. Special Envoy Paul Soler stressed that sustainable development in Libya is critical for regional stability in the Mediterranean, and reaffirmed France's interest in playing an active role in the North African country's recovery process. The meeting comes amid growing international interest in supporting Libya's reconstruction, with multiple countries and organisations expressing readiness to contribute to rebuilding key sectors after years of turmoil. Tags: Belgassem HaftarfranceJean-Noël BarrotlibyaReconstruction
