As Libya’s largest trading partner, Italy reinforced its commitment to fostering sustainable economic and energy development in the North African nation at the Libya-Italy Roundtable and VIP Networking Event in Rome earlier this week.
Registering more than €9 billion in annual trade, Italy represents the largest importer from and third-largest exporter to Libya, with cooperation spanning multiple sectors, including energy and infrastructure. As Europe seeks alternative energy sources, the opportunity for Libya to expand its role in supplying energy to the Mediterranean continues to grow.
“Italy can be a point of entry for Libya to the larger European energy market,” said Gianluca Alberinni, Italian Ambassador to Libya. “We are interested in helping Libya to become a united country, peaceful and prosperous again… The more the business environment is stable and foreseeable, the more there will be possibilities for growth, development and cooperation with the Italian system.”
In recent years, Italy has intensified its engagement not only in Libya, but across Africa, with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni unveiling the Mattei Plan in 2022. The plan seeks to build balanced and sustainable partnerships with African energy-producing nations, focusing on equitable cooperation in the energy sector and beyond.
“The efforts made by the government, the activities carried out by Parliament and the focus of civil society are not just a cosmetic exercise, but a way to provide friendship and health to Libya. It must be placed in a wider context that the Italian government has defined through the Mattei Plan, with great attention to Africa,” said Senator Marco Scurria, President of the Interparliamentary Group Friends of Libya.
“Our trade, exchange and friendship are long-lasting. Today’s meeting is a chance to strengthen our fruitful collaboration,” said Lorenzo Tagliavanti, President of the Rome Chamber of Commerce and Industry. “I wish the relationship between our countries can grow stronger and that significant agreements can be entered into.”
The Libya-Italy Roundtable and VIP Networking Event served to celebrate the historic Libyan-Italian connection and explore new areas for partnership and investment, with a focus on accelerating private sector participation.
