Aurelio Regina (pictured), deputy chairman of the Confederation of Italian Industry (Confindustria), has said that Italian exports to Libya have trebled since the revolution, reaching €2.4 billion in 2012, and could grow a great deal more.
Speaking to the Rome Chamber of Commerce, he said:
"Libya holds a great deal of potential for Italy at a national level despite the currently bleak situation ...
"We are the main benchmark market for the North African country ... and almost 23 percent of Libya’s exports are earmarked for Italy. Of course our businesses need security guarantees, but there are many opportunities for us ... there are opportunities for Italian businesses in renewable energy, agro-industry, construction, logistics, transport, integrated services and infrastructure."
He warned, however, that in Libya, "Italy has a very delicate task. Politics and the economy can and must go hand in hand”. Libya was decisive for the security of the entire area but guarantees, stability and development were essential.
(Source: Libya Herald)
