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DEIK Turkey-Libya Business Council Chairman: Turkey’s exports to Libya increased by 64% in 2021

Turkey’s recent regional change policy is reflected in the east of Libya in the form of “economic expansion and a significant increase in exports”. Turkey’s Ambassador to Tripoli, Kenan Yilmaz, paid two separate visits to the regions under the control of Khalifa Haftar, the leader of the armed forces in eastern Libya, last month.

Yilmaz, who met for the first time in the city of Kubbe with the Speaker of the House of Representatives in Tobruk, Akile Salih, visited the city of Benghazi with Turkish businesspeople after a short while and had contacts with local administrators.

Murtaza Karanfil, Chairman of the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK) Turkey-Libya Business Council and the Turkish-Libya Businessmen Association (TULIB), included in the delegation that visited Benghazi, evaluated Turkey’s expansion to the east of Libya and the visits to AA correspondent.

Karanfil said that Benghazi Mayor Sakr Bucevari, together with Turkey’s Ambassador to Tripoli Yilmaz, visited the city as Turkish businesspeople upon the invitation of the House of Representatives and the Benghazi Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture.

Stating that the strong relations that Turkey will establish with all parties are very beneficial in terms of ensuring peace in the country, economic development of Libya and preventing the political crisis in the region, Karanfil stated that there are promising economic developments as well.

Karanfil drew attention to the fact that Turkey is the third country that exports the most to the east of Libya and continued as follows:

“Our total exports to Libya increased by 64.9% in 2021 compared to the previous year and reached $2 billion 443 million. This figure was recorded as the second-highest export figure to Libya. We reached these figures by making most of our exports to the western region. This figure will increase very quickly after the friendly relations will be established with the east.”

Noting that China exports the most to the east of Libya, Karanfil evaluated that procuring products from a close region like Turkey will contribute to the development of Libya and reduce its costs due to the increase in freight prices and the problems experienced in the supply chain.

THE GOVERNMENT OF ABDULHAMID DIBEYBE IS POSITIVE TO TURKEY’S EAST OPENING

Noting that the National Unity Government (UBH) officials have a positive view of Turkey’s opening to the east of Libya, Karanfil said, “They know Turkey very well, which is with them in the most difficult times. They are aware of Turkey’s gentle intentions and they care about our visits.”

President Karanfil stated that these visits were carried out in order to start a new dialogue with the region, accelerate diplomatic and commercial relations and strengthen bilateral relations, “These contacts were established to open a new page with the east of Libya. This initiative is for the benefit of both countries. But it is more important for Libya’s political and economic stability.”

IT IS DESIRED TO COMPLETE THE UNCOMPLETED PROJECTS

“The desire to complete the unfinished projects as soon as possible was clearly expressed.” Karanfil said that there are demands from the Turks for infrastructure and contracting projects in the region.

He noted that Benghazi Stadium, Benghazi Port, airports and some university buildings are among these projects, and that they immediately rolled up their sleeves for the completion of unfinished projects and the establishment of a Turkish market.

OPENING OF THE BENGHAZI CONSULATE GENERAL AND DIRECT FLIGHTS

Karanfil stated that the reopening of the Turkish Consulate General in Benghazi may come to the agenda in a short time, and that Ambassador Yilmaz has also expressed a will on this issue.

Stating that the demand for the start of flights from the other side was strongly voiced, Karanfil said, “Work will be started on this and Turkish Airlines (THY) will turn its route back to Libya. The people of both countries need this.”

Karanfil emphasized that all the meetings were held in an atmosphere of friendship and brotherhood, and that he saw a picture that wanted and yearned to establish relations with Turkey in every field during the meetings.

After meeting with Akile Salih, the Speaker of the House of Representatives in Tobruk on 19 January, Ambassador Yilmaz went to Benghazi on 29 January upon the invitation of Benghazi Mayor Sakr Bucevari, and also visited the Turkish Consulate General building in addition to the meetings.

Source: Sabah / Translated by Irem Yildiz

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