I was pleased to have the opportunity to meet with Mr Khaled A. Elhouni, the Director of the Anti-Tax Evasion Department, today to discuss the important topic of the potential return of British companies to Libya. As the BLBA (British Libyan Business Association) CEO, I am responsible for facilitating and promoting business relations between the UK and Libya. This meeting was a significant step towards achieving that goal. We discussed the steps that can be taken to address any outstanding issues and ensure that companies can operate in Libya with confidence. One of the main points we [...]

Letters to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to Libya. Dear Mr. Speaker:   (Dear Madam President:) Section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)) provides for the automatic termination of a national emergency unless, within 90 days prior to the anniversary date of its declaration, the President publishes in the Federal Register and transmits to the Congress a notice stating that the emergency is to continue in effect beyond the anniversary date. In accordance with this provision, I have sent to the Federal [...]

Today, the British Libyan Business Association (BLBA) had the opportunity to visit Zliten and meet with the Zliten Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture, as well as prominent local businesspeople. I must admit that Zliten was off my radar until now, but I was completely surprised by what I saw during our visit. It's hard to believe that a city of this size could be playing in the Champions League of business, but Zliten is a prime example of such achievements being possible for a small city. From its impressive cement, steel and PVC manufacturing to its [...]

LIBYA HERALD - Sami Zaptia The Tripoli-based Libyan government led by Abd Alhamid Aldabaiba announced today the lifting of the state of force majeure on exploration operations for the production of oil and gas. The government further called on international oil companies that have concluded contracts with the National Oil Corporation (NOC) to resume their work in Libya, stressing its readiness to provide the necessary support and provide them with a safe work environment. The Aldabaiba government said the lifting of force majeure on oil exploration is based on a request by the NOC and after a [...]

On 13 October 2022, the Libyan Ministry of Economy and Commerce enacted Decree 944/2022 on the Participation of Foreigners, Branches and Representative Offices of Foreign Companies in Libya (Decree 944/2022). Decree 944/2022 upholds the principle that any commercial activity in Libya requires the establishment of a presence – either through setting up a joint venture with a Libyan partner, or through registering a branch or representative office. Decree 944/2022 has also updated the prerequisites and capitalization requirements for establishing a presence in Libya.  General Principles  Decree 944/2022 repeals Decree 207/2012 that so far regulated the activity of [...]