Day 2 of the British Libyan Business Associations trip to Misrata saw the same message being conveyed to us, that ‘LIBYA IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS’

Misrata Chamber of Commerce

The BLBA met with the Chairman and the chamber board along with the Head of External Relations and International Development and, once again the same message was received that Misrata stands by to welcome British investment and enterprise. Many subjects were discussed including sector specific trade missions to support Misrata’s booming economy.

The BLBA looks forward to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding which allows the pursuit of mutually beneficial commerce benefit for both organisations’ members.

Can we thank the chamber for their kind gift of a plaque to celebrate the meeting.

Misrata Municipality

A meeting was held with the Mayor Mr Abu Baker A Shanab of Misrata Municipality who again asked the same key question… Why has the UK not engaged more forcefully with the Misratan business community?. A difficult question to answer but the message was clearly conveyed that UK commerce, through the bridges being built by the BLBA, now have a route to market.

The Mayor made it clear that Misrata looks forward to the day when the United Kingdom, as many others are already doing, becomes a significant trading partner with Misrata.

Libyan Iron and Steel Company

We had the great honour to meet the Chairman and the entire board of LISCO and to receive a briefing on the long and hugely successful history of the organisation and of its long heritage with the British Steel Industry.

It is difficult to hear how an organisation that is considered one of the largest industrial companies in Libya with a production far in excess of 1,000,000 tonnes per year struggles to engage with UK suppliers, engineers and innovators!

 They were very receptive to re-engaging with the United Kingdom and developing trade opportunities with sectors that can deliver the specialist skills, equipment and technology required. The BLBA will now focus on identifying the sectors and services most desired by LISCO and engage with partners to work with them.