Forming ties together

Looking@Libya works to establish close ties with Libya and other North African
countries during this change of Government.

Dutch-Libyan business conference held in The Hague

03.07.13
Over 40 individuals representing 30 companies and organisations either interested or already working in Libya, met at The Hague on 25 June for a roundtable conference, chaired by former Dutch deputy Prime Minister professor Laurens Jan Brinkhorst. The Dutch ambassador to Tripoli as well as the Libyan Chargé d’Affaires to the Netherlands and representatives from the Dutch Foreign Ministry were also present.

Although the conference was held behind closed doors without any media present, it was agreed that Libya Herald could publish some general outcomes of the this meeting. The conference was organised by Herman Klijnsma head of the Dutch Libyan Cooperation Council (DLCC), and was the third meeting since 2011.

The companies and organisations present represented the shipping/transport/logistics, medical, water, engineering, construction, agricultural, oil and gas, educational/training, security and environmental sectors. These included representatives of the Netherlands based Libyan investment company Lafitrade Holdings B.V and its parent company LFICO, a subsidiary of the LIA, Libya’s Sovereign Wealth Fund.

After a roundup of the latest situation in Libya, speakers took it in turn to introduce their companies and reflect their experiences in working in Libya or enquire about more detail regarding the Libyan scenario. It was agreed that another roundtable conference in the near future would be useful and the organisation of a business delegation to Libya was being seriously considered. There were those who were in favour of a delegation in 2013, whilst others leaned towards 2014. Some Libyan speakers urged Dutch companies to invest in building relationships and rapport with Libya now, as other companies from other nations are currently doing.

Some recently signed contracts by non-Dutch companies with Libya were highlighted as examples. Against this background, it is interesting to mention that talks are on the way between the DLCC and the Libyan General Union Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture to enter into a partnership agreement.

(Source: Libya Herald)