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Libya Review
4 days ago
- Business
- Libya Review
Libya's Benghazi Hosts Major Italy-Libya Business Event
Benghazi is set to host a major milestone in Libya-Italy economic relations as the Libya–Italy Economic Forum opens on Tuesday, June 25. Coinciding with the launch of ITA Airways' first direct commercial flight from Rome to Benghazi, the forum marks the beginning of a new chapter in bilateral cooperation. Described by Italy's Nova News Agency as the most significant partnership initiative between the two countries in recent years, the forum will run through June 26 and includes the participation of around 100 Italian companies. A New Era for Italian Business in Libya According to Nova, the event signifies a turning point for Italian entrepreneurship in Libya, while the ITA Airways flight AZ8035 symbolises a renewed industrial and commercial dialogue across the Mediterranean. Nicola Colicchi, President of the Italian-Libyan Chamber of Commerce, said that Benghazi is now 'Libya's most stable and dynamic area.' He stressed that this was a business-driven forum, unlike the recent government-led summit in Tripoli during Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's visit. The forum is organised by the Italian-Libyan Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with the Italian Embassy in Tripoli and the Consulate General in Benghazi. More than 450 entrepreneurs, business leaders, and Libyan representatives are expected to attend. Strategic Focus on Reconstruction in Cyrenaica The forum will feature B2B meetings tailored to key sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, water management, logistics, agriculture, environmental technologies, and sustainable development—all identified by the Libyan Reconstruction Fund as priority sectors. Libyan conglomerates working in construction, food processing, fisheries, and healthcare will be main partners in exploring joint ventures. Dozens of Libyan SMEs are also participating, with organisers noting a high demand for Italian expertise, technology, and business management. Italy's Economic Goals Amid Global Competition Italy hopes to strengthen its economic footprint in Libya amid growing competition from Turkey, China, and Russia. Colicchi pointed out: 'The Turks are everywhere—even if their methods are more aggressive and less refined, they're seen as reliable partners. Our strength is quality.' He added that one of the forum's core messages is to boost structured Italian presence in Libya and overcome fragmented engagement. 'It's time to stop following and start leading,' said Colicchi. Benghazi is now being compared to an 'open construction site,' echoing Shanghai's development boom in the early 2000s, with intense public and private investment. Key Role of Libya's Reconstruction Fund Led by Belgasem Haftar, the Libyan Fund for Development and Reconstruction is the main Libyan partner in the initiative. The fund recently requested 69 billion Libyan dinars (approx. €11 billion) for the next three years from the House of Representatives, following the swift rebuilding of Derna after Storm Daniel. The Italian-Libyan Chamber will also announce the opening of a new permanent office in Benghazi, providing a base for Italian businesses to operate and grow in Libya without needing constant travel between Rome and Benghazi. Italian Firms Target Strategic Sectors in Libya The participating companies cover strategic sectors such as health, energy, logistics, manufacturing, and construction. Key names include: Iveco Group: one of Europe's largest industrial vehicle producers Renco: healthcare and integrated engineering Todini: infrastructure construction, currently working on the long-delayed East–West Coastal Highway Termomeccanica: advanced water management systems Rapanelli: olive oil extraction systems Coelmo: energy and generator solutions Bonifacio Ltd: metal and mechanical construction Indeco: environmental and energy solutions Limonta Sport: sports infrastructure Molmix, MP Foodex, Infinity Innovation: agricultural processing and food technology Dozens of other small and mid-sized Italian companies are also showcasing their offerings at the forum. Tags: benghaziItalylibyaRome
Straits Times
11-05-2025
- General
- Straits Times
At least three die, including two children, in Libya-Italy crossing, NGO says
At least three die, including two children, in Libya-Italy crossing, NGO says ROME - At least three people have died, including two children aged 3 and 4, in a Mediterranean sea crossing from Libya to Italy, a German sea rescue charity said on Sunday, adding that it had rescued 59 survivors. The migrants were intercepted on Saturday on a rubber boat floating adrift south of the Italian island of Lampedusa that had been spotted by a surveillance aircraft of the EU border agency Frontex. "By the time (we) reached the rubber boat at around 4.30pm (1430 GMT), it was too late to help some of the people," the RESQSHIP charity said in a statement. "Two bodies of infants aged 3 and 4 were handed over to us," the charity quoted one of its paramedics identified only as Rania as saying. "They had died the day before, probably of thirst." A man was found unconscious and declared dead after attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful, RESQSHIP said, adding that it was told by survivors that another migrant had drowned on Friday after going overboard. Many of the survivors, who were taken to Lampedusa, suffered chemical burns from salt water and fuel, the group said. Two children and four adults in critical condition were handed over to the Italian coast guard to be brought ashore more quickly. The rubber boat had set off from the port of Zawiya in western Libya on Wednesday, but its engine failed after one day of navigation, leaving the migrants on board exposed to wind and weather, the NGO said. Lampedusa lies between Tunisia, Malta and the larger Italian island of Sicily and is the first port of call for many migrants seeking to reach the EU from North Africa, in what has become one of the world's deadliest sea crossings. Almost 25,000 migrants have died or gone missing on this central Mediterranean route since 2014, according to the International Organization for Migration, including around 1,700 last year and 378 so far this year. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
