The Libyan–Greek Reconstruction and Development Forum was successfully held in Benghazi, with the participation of one of the largest Greek business delegations ever to visit the region, led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Harry Theoharis.
The visit followed the visit of Minister of Foreign Affairs George Gerapetritis to Benghazi last July.
Some 40 Greek business leaders, representing sectors such as energy, infrastructure, technology, health, agri-food, logistics, education and shipping, took part in targeted B2B meetings, exploring specific opportunities for cooperation.
In his speech, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs underlined the importance of economic diplomacy and Greece’s role as a reliable partner in the Eastern Mediterranean. Particular reference was made to the prospects for cooperation in reconstruction, renewable energy and infrastructure projects.
As he noted, the aim is to move from exploring opportunities to implementing specific, bankable projects, based on trust, transparency and mutual benefit, contributing to the stability and development of the wider region.
During the forum, the historic presence and reliability of Greek businesses in Libya were highlighted, as well as the will to shape long-term, sustainable trade and investment partnerships.
The meeting of the business communities in Benghazi marks the beginning of a new chapter of economic cooperation, aimed at strengthening trade, investment and regional development in the Eastern Mediterranean.
In addition, on the sidelines of the forum, twenty-one memoranda of cooperation were signed between the Development and Reconstruction Fund of Libya and leading Greek companies, as well as Enterprise Greece. The memoranda were signed on behalf of the Fund by its Director General, Belgasem Haftar. The business agreements aim to strengthen cooperation, exchange know-how and implement infrastructure and sustainable development projects.
