Libya signs MoI with UK

A Memorandum of Intentions – effective from 24 May - was signed in London by Libya's Minister of Communications and Information Anwar Fituri and UK Minister of Trade and Investment Stephen Green. Areas of technical co-operation cover Information and Communication Technology, and activities could include:

sending technical experts from the UK (and elsewhere) to develop proposals, provide technical and strategic guidance, training and education;

assistance in improving physical structure and capabilities, promotion of affordable access to the internet, and designing policies to govern the emerging telecommunications market.

There are hopes of improved economic and political co-operation between Libya and its neighbours Tunisia and Egypt. There is, however, as yet, no date fixed for a meeting announced by Egypt's Foreign Minister Mohamed Amr. Meanwhile, the Tunisian subsidiary of France's Monoprix supermarket chain intends to set up ten stores in Libya in the next 18 months in a US$25.2 million project. The first, probably in Tripoli, is due to open by the end of 2012. Prior to the uprisings, international retailers had shown interest in the Libyan market but, if it succeeds, Monoprix will be the first to open a new store.

Qatari Business Trading Co., along with Al Meera Consumer Goods Co., have also announced their intention to expand into retail outlets in Libya thereby further strengthening the Qatari position in Tripoli.

It was reported on 27 May that Libya - along with Nigeria, Nepal and Iran – has the weakest internet connections, so any assistance would be propitious.

For more news and expert analysis about Libya, please see Libya Focus and Libya Politics & Security.

© 2012 Menas Associates