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Can Benghazi Become Italy's Main Economic Gateway to Libya?
A delegation of around 80 Italian business leaders recently arrived in Benghazi to take part in the Libya–Italy Economic Forum for Reconstruction and Development, signaling a renewed Italian interest in engaging with eastern Libya's economic revival, according to Italy's Nova news agency.
The forum marked a turning point in economic engagement between Italy and eastern Libya, bringing new momentum to bilateral trade and investment.
According to Nova, the Italian business leaders arrived aboard the first direct ITA Airways flight from Rome to Benghazi. The event, co-organized by the Libyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Libyan Reconstruction and Development Fund, led by Belgassem Haftar, focused on building partnerships in vital sectors such as energy, infrastructure, agriculture, logistics, and industrial manufacturing.
Benghazi, once heavily affected by conflict, presented itself as a city in transformation. Nova noted that the Italian delegation visited the newly inaugurated Benghazi International Stadium and the rebuilt University of Benghazi, both symbols of post-war recovery.
The skyline of Benghazi is now filled with cranes and ongoing construction projects, with Nova describing it as a dynamic urban landscape comparable to Dubai in the 1980s or Shanghai in the early 2000s.
Multiple memoranda of understanding were signed with 98 Italian companies, including major names such as Iveco, Todini, Termomeccanica, and Renco.
These agreements target cooperation in sectors ranging from transport and healthcare to environmental solutions and energy management. Nova emphasized that this initiative reflects Italy's strategy of establishing long-term, high-quality business partnerships in eastern Libya.
Nicola Colicci, head of the Italian–Libyan Chamber of Commerce, launched a permanent office in Benghazi during the forum, declaring Italy's intention to maintain a stable presence. 'We're not here as short-term visitors,' Colicci said. 'We want to build something lasting with Libya.'
This economic forum, supported by the Libyan Reconstruction Fund, is seen as a milestone in repositioning Benghazi as a central hub for foreign investment, with Italy now rising to second place among Libya's top trade partners after China, according to Nova. Tags: benghaziEconomic ForuminvestmentItalylibyaReconstruction
