Libya Interviews - MarcoPolis

Dr. Mohamed Abdulmalik Elfigih, Chairman of LISCO (Libyan Iron & Steel Company)
When we look at the local market in Libya; we must consider that this is a transitional period, if we compare 2013 with 2012, the local market has improved a great deal, with increased demands every month. We also must consider that Libya in general will have increased demand. I consider Libya a virgin country in terms of infrastructure, and so we need a lot of projects.

Libya Industry Interviews

Jotun Libya: Projects and outlook for construction and real-estate sector

August 7, 2013

Abdel Menem Abdel Aziz, Chairman of JOTUN (Libya)
JOTUN paints are famous throughout Libya and other parts of the world for their very high quality. “The service JOTUN provides makes us absolutely exceptional in our relationship with project owners. We see ourselves as their partners when it comes to paints or protection against corrosion. We are with them throughout the project; from the beginning until the end,” explains Mr. Aziz. The company is currently building a factory near the town of Zuwara, some 90km west of Tripoli. It is a factory that would deploy the latest technology JOTUN has deployed anywhere else.

Libya Investment Interviews

Misurata set to become an economical landmark for investments locally, regionally and internationally

August 6, 2013

Dr. Elhusain Benahmida, Chairman and General Manager of Misurata Free Zone
Misurata Free Zone is a company with a capital of 600 million Libyan Dinars. The economical area is divided into two sections stretching over an area of 3,500 hectares.

Libya Tourism and Culture Interviews

Radisson Blu plans to open new properties in Libya

August 6, 2013

Volkan Vural, General Manager of Radisson Blu Al Mahary Hotel
Radisson Blu is planning on opening one more hotel in Libya. The group would like to grow and open new properties in Libya as they strongly believe in Libya. Their business is show business and instead of property Radisson Blu Al Mahary Hotel in Tripoli focuses on services. Mr Vulkan reveals Tripoli will certainly need more hotels in 2 or 3 years.

Libya Banking Interviews

BSIC: Strategy in Africa

August 5, 2013

BSIC Bank (Banque Sahelo Saharienne Pour l`Investissement et le Commerce)
BSIC Bank is a regional bank in Africa and it has 14 affiliates in different countries in Africa. Four of them are Anglophone-Arabic affiliates and 10 are Francophone affiliates. The main currency of the bank is Euro. The authorised capital is about 750 million Euro. BSIC Bank is preparing to change its strategy and consolidate its commercial affiliates and start to do development banking through the head office.

Libya Foreign Investments Interviews

Libya: LAICO’s Investments in Africa Reached US$1.2 billion in 21 Countries

August 5, 2013

Bashir M. Elmadani, Managing Director of Libyan African Investment Company (LAICO)
LAICO at the present is well-known in Africa, because we are participating in over 21 countries in Africa. Our investments are mainly in the real estate and tourism sectors. The total of our current investments is approximately US $1.2 billion.

Libya Transportation Interviews

Libyan Airlines to become the leading airlines in Libya and surrounding region

August 1, 2013

Khaled Ben Alewa, CEO of Libyan Airlines
After the revolution and in fact during the revolution, the delivery of aircraft was postponed and we had to reschedule. Libyan Airlines are increasing their capacity with 3 A320s and 2 A330, thereby expanding their overall network. The Airlines are now flying to London, Manchester, Madrid and Malta while they are still oblidged to use leased aircraft. The company might also expand their routes to places further than Dubai in the eastern area. Once Libyan Airlines successfully adopted European safety requirements, the lifting of the EU ban should follow suit – probably by the end of 2013.

Libya Business Interviews

Libya’s Trading Sector Gaining Traction

August 1, 2013

Mohamed Alhanghri, Member of Libyan Businessmen Council
The Libyan Businessmen Council covers many industrial, commercial and production fields, this council is open for all Libyans who are specialized in the fields of trading, industry and services.

Libya Transportation Interviews

Afriqiyah Airways: Strategy and Outlook for the Second Largest Airlines in Libya

August 1, 2013

Abubaker M. Elfortia, General Manager of Afriqiyah Airways
Since the revolution Afriqiyah Airways has received two new Airbus 320 aircrafts and we will get another Airbus 330 in October at the end of this year. Next year we will get another two A330s and we have signed a contract with the airports for ten A350 aircrafts.

Libya Oil and Gas Interviews

National Oil Corporation of Libya (NOC) hopes to reach oil production of 1.7 MBD by the end of 2013

August 1, 2013

Dr. Nuri A. Berruien, Chairman of the Board, National Oil Corporation (NOC) of Libya
Libya has two large refineries and it needs to improve the performance of these to decrease the gasoline imports, which currently stand at 80% of the overall oil consumption in Libya. NOC Chairman Dr. Beruuien anticipates there will be three big refineries built in Libya, however it will be the private sector that will play a major role in these investments. 1955 petroleum law of Libya is being revised and NOC is also reviewing their EPSA models to encourage investment in Libya. NOC hopes for an oil production of 1.7 million barrels per day by the end of 2013 while the operating costs remain very low – close to US $5.5 per barrel. Dr. Berruien expects more oil discoveries in Libya as many areas have not been fully explored yet.