In this interview, Ameen Shtewi, CEO of MÜSİAD Libya, shares insights into the organization's work in supporting private sector cooperation between Libya and Türkiye. He discusses MÜSİAD's role in facilitating business partnerships, attracting investment, and helping international companies navigate the Libyan market. The conversation also explores the sectors offering the greatest opportunities, the challenges investors should be aware of, and why Libya is increasingly positioning itself as a long-term destination for business, trade, and economic growth.

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1. MUSIAD has built one of the largest business networks in the world, with a presence in over 70 countries. What made Libya a priority market for the organization, and when did that focus begin?

Libya became a strategic focus for MÜSİAD because of the long-standing historical, cultural, and commercial relationship between Libya and Türkiye. Private-sector ties between the two countries have developed over many years and across a wide range of industries. The official opening of MÜSİAD’s Libya branch in Tripoli in 2022 gave this relationship a stronger institutional foundation. It reflected our confidence in the role of the private sector in supporting Libya’s economic development and strengthening bilateral cooperation. Our presence is guided by a long-term commitment to mutual benefit, trust, and respect for Libya’s national priorities, with a focus on partnerships that create local value, employment, and sustainable growth.

2. Since opening the Tripoli branch, what has MUSIAD's role actually looked like on the ground, is it deal-making, policy advocacy, matchmaking between businesses, or a mix of all three?

Since opening its Tripoli branch, MÜSİAD Libya’s role has combined several areas, but the core of our work is building practical bridges between the Libyan and Turkish business communities. We connect companies with suitable partners and opportunities, organize B2B meetings and trade delegations, facilitate engagement with relevant institutions, and help businesses better understand the Libyan market and its operating environment. We also follow potential partnerships from the initial introduction through to tangible commercial outcomes, while recognizing that final business decisions remain the responsibility of the companies involved. At the institutional level, we communicate the private sector’s needs and challenges to relevant stakeholders and encourage dialogue that contributes to a stronger business environment. Our role can therefore be described as a combination of business matchmaking, partnership facilitation, and institutional dialogue aimed at creating sustainable economic cooperation.

‍3. Turkey is already one of Libya's largest trading partners. What role has MUSIAD played in growing that relationship beyond government-to-government agreements?

Government agreements provide the strategic framework for economic cooperation, while the private sector is responsible for transforming that framework into commercial activity and lasting business relationships. MÜSİAD Libya contributes by bringing companies from both countries into direct contact through trade delegations, sector-focused meetings, exhibitions, and business events. We also help identify suitable partners and suppliers and maintain communication after the initial introduction. Through our presence in Libya and MÜSİAD’s wider international network, we help create direct andcontinuous channels between business communities, enabling companies to explore opportunities and develop cooperation beyond government-to-government engagement.

‍4. Which sectors have seen the most Turkish investment activity through MUSIAD's network: construction, energy services, manufacturing, logistics?

The construction and building materials sector has seen the highest level of activity within MÜSİAD’s network, reflecting the scale of Libya’s urban development and infrastructure projects, as well as the extensive experience of Turkish companies in this field. The food industry has also witnessed notable activity, both through product supply and the development of commercial relationships between Libyan and Turkish companies. At the same time, we are seeing growing interest in the manufacturing and energy sectors, particularly in partnerships, knowledge exchange, and local capacity development. Through MÜSİAD’s network, we support this interest by connecting companies with suitable opportunities and partners, in line with Libya’s market needs and economic priorities.

5. Libya's oil and gas sector is opening up to new international investment. Where do you see Turkish companies; and MUSIAD members specifically, fitting into that opportunity?

Turkish companies have strong expertise in areas supporting the oil and gas sector, particularlyengineering and construction, equipment supply, maintenance, and technical services. We therefore believe they have an opportunity to contribute to the sector’s development in cooperation with Libyan companies and institutions, and in line with Libya’s national priorities. MÜSİAD’s role is to identify qualified companies, connect them with suitable Libyan partners, facilitate communication, and help them better understand the market’s requirements and Libya’s business environment. We also encourage a model based on long-term partnerships and support for local content through the involvement of Libyan companies, knowledge exchange, and the development of national expertise, thereby creating sustainable value for Libya’s energy sector and wider economy.

6. What are the biggest obstacles Turkish investors still face when entering the Libyan market, and how is MUSIAD working to remove them?

The main challenge is often not the lack of opportunity, but navigating the market effectively. Investors need access to accurate and up-to-date information, a clear understanding of administrative and regulatory procedures, reliable local partners, and workable solutions for banking and financing. There is also a gap between international perceptions of Libya and the realities of its business environment. MÜSİAD Libya helps reduce this uncertainty by providing practical market insight, facilitating carefully targeted introductions, organizing business visits and B2B meetings, and connecting companies with relevant institutions. We also communicate recurring private-sector concerns to the appropriate stakeholders and encourage constructive institutional dialogue. Our objective is to help investors approach Libya with clearer information, stronger local relationships, and a more informed entry strategy.

‍7. Can you point to one or two specific deals, partnerships, or projects that MUSIAD helped bring together in Libya that you're especially proud of?

We have supported several business connections and commercial opportunities between Libyan and Turkish companies across different sectors. However, many of these discussions and agreements remain commercially sensitive, and we respect the confidentiality of the companies involved. For this reason, we prefer not to disclose specific names or project details at this stage. What we can say is that our focus is not only on making introductions, but also on following up with the parties and helping initial discussions develop into practical and sustainable partnerships.

8. How does MUSIAD's approach in Libya differ from its work in other markets, what's unique about doing business here?

What makes Libya distinctive is that business opportunities are strongly relationship-driven. Success depends not only on the commercial potential of a project, but also on trust, direct engagement, local understanding, and consistent follow-up. For this reason, MÜSİAD Libya follows a more hands-on and locally anchored approach. We help companies prepare before entering the market, arrange focused meetings with relevant partners and institutions, and maintain communication after the initial engagement. Libyan businesses place considerable value on commitment and continuity. International companies that invest time in understanding the market, develop credible local relationships, and demonstrate a genuine commitment to creating value within Libya are generally better positioned to build successful and lasting partnerships.

9. Looking at Libya's broader economic reconstruction, where do you see the greatest untapped opportunity for foreign investors over the next five years?

I believe the greatest untapped opportunities lie in making integrated use of Libya’s strategic location and natural advantages to develop local manufacturing, regional trade, and renewable energy. Libya’s position on the Mediterranean, its proximity to Europe, and its connections to the African continent give it the potential to become an important trade and logistics gateway to Africa, particularly for landlocked countries seeking efficient access to international markets. Realizing this potential will require further development of ports, free zones, transport, and storage facilities, alongside a well- organized re-export system. Libya also has vast desert areas and high levels of solar irradiation, creating significant opportunities for investment in solar power and other renewable energy solutions. Such investments could support domestic demand while contributing to the diversification of both the energy sector and the wider economy. Combining local manufacturing, re-export activities, logistics, and renewable energy could strengthen Libya’s position as a regional trade and investment hub while creating employment and sustainable value for the Libyan economy.

10. What's your message to international businesses beyond Turkey — who are still hesitant about investing in Libya today?

My message is that Libya should not be assessed solely through news headlines or external perceptions, but through direct market research and engagement with local institutions and companies. While the Libyan market faces certain challenges, it also offers genuine opportunities across multiple sectors, along with growing demand for international expertise, technology, and partnerships. We are not encouraging companies to make rushed decisions. Instead, we recommend a careful and gradual approach that begins with understanding the market, visiting Libya, selecting the right local partner, and then building a long-term presence. Companies that approach Libya with a partnership mindset, respect national priorities, and contribute to developing local expertise and creating value within the country will be better positioned to succeed. Libya welcomes serious partners from all countries, not only Türkiye, and MÜSİAD Libya is ready to help build channels of communication and facilitate engagement with the Libyan business community.

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‍Ameen Shtewi, CEO, MUSIAD Libya