Libyan government agencies and private companies are taking part in the Turkish-African Business Forum “AFEX 2023” this week in Istanbul to boost economic ties between Turkey, Libya, and the African continent.
The three-day event opened Tuesday with a delegation of Libyan officials and business leaders, including Undersecretary of Economy and Trade Saad Ahneesh and the head of the General Union of Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, Mohamed Al-Raied.
In press statements, Al-Raied said the goal of Libya’s participation is to spotlight the country’s “pivotal and pioneering role in Africa economically as it is the most important gateway for trade with the African continent.”
The forum has drawn companies from Libya and across Africa in sectors like food production, construction, textiles, equipment, machinery, furniture and contracting.
It aims to promote Libya as a vital conduit between Turkey and African markets. Libya already accounts for a significant volume of Turkish trade with Africa.
The three-day Istanbul event concluding Thursday is convening businesses alongside the Libya-Turkey Exhibition being organized on the sidelines.