Libyan and Italian business and government leaders discussed deepening collaboration in key sectors during the roundtable discussion, Unlocking the Potential of the Libya-Italy Partnership in Energy, at this year’s Libya Energy & Economic Summit.
Antonio Passarelli, External and International Relations Manager at ANIMA Confindustria, Federation of Italian Associations of Mechanical Industry, highlighted how partnerships with Libya could diversify the country’s economy. “We aim to be a partner in many diversified sectors in Libya, including construction, water treatment and many more,” Passarelli stated, adding, “The presence of Italian companies in Libya is very much appreciated by our government, and we want to ensure local institutions and authorities that we are willing to participate further.”
Deputy Ambassador to Libya Villa Ricardo discussed the economic benefits of Libya-Italy trade ties, emphasizing the recent opening of direct flights between Tripoli and Rome as a boost for collaboration. “Italy is the [strongest] economic partner of Italy; €9 billion in interchange annually,” Ricardo stated. “Trade benefits the population of Libya and allows the country to be able to look ahead for a prosperous and interconnected country. A Libya which is open to the world.”
Speakers stressed that transferring skills, knowledge, and technology is crucial to Libya’s sustained economic growth. Stefano Pavanello, Project Manager at engineering company Petrostar, emphasized the importance of partnerships in sectors like water treatment, petrochemicals and oil and gas development.
Marco Vacchieri, Branch Manager at underwater technology company Drafinsub, showcased the company’s operations, arguing that developing Libya’s offshore oil and gas infrastructure will play a vital role in achieving the country’s goal of ramping up oil production to two million barrels per day by 2030.
Hussain Safar, Member of the Board of Directors at Libya’s National Oil Corporation, concluded the roundtable by reinforcing Libya’s cooperation strategy with Italy. He expressed confidence that working with Italian companies like energy major Eni will support sustainable, long-term growth in Libya.
“Cooperation between Libya and Italy has come a long way,” Safar stated, adding, “Many companies have been established in Libya and have been working in Libya for a long time. Eni comes at the top of this list in the energy sector in Libya, and we’ve been working in cooperation to increase our production and have been working on many projects.”