Malta businessman encouraged to look to Libya

Following the lifting of UN sanctions on Libya, Maltese businessmen are being encouraged to increase business dealings between the two countries. The private sector is being supported by the Libyan-Maltese Chamber of Commerce through the promotion of the Cash & Carry Shopping Festival, planned to be held during the Holy month of Ramadan in November 2002.

The Libyan-Maltese Chamber of Commerce is confident that this Festival will attract a great deal of Maltese businessmen to the Libyan Market. The Chamber is conscious of the fact that Maltese are well respected in Libyan business circles and that this has led to success in business dealings with the Libyan Jamahirija.

The Festival is being organised just in time for the preparatory period of Eid. These are the three days of festivities following Ramadan. Muslims buy clothing, toys, household goods and other items as part of the Libyan tradition and custom, similar to activity carried out during the Christian Advent in preparation for Christmas.

The Libyan Maltese Chamber of Commerce has joined forces with the Sahara Libyar which is an organisation experienced in the running of such events. Negotiations are underway with the Libyan Authorities in order to obtain a very special concession on import tariffs. In fact the Chamber is doing its utmost to obtain permission that all imports into Libya for the festival pay a special standard Customs tariff of only 10% duty.

Participation is open to all Maltese companies interested in doing business with Libya. These companies will exhibit Malta-made goods, and/or foreign-made products for which the Maltese company has exclusive representation for the Libyan Market.