International forum sees Malta as springboard for business in Libya

A New Libya Forum aimed to understand the current evolving change in Libya and provide the adequate direction for business is being held by Deloitte and EMCS on February 27 and 28.

This is an international event bringing together international business delegates looking into Malta as a business springboard to Libya.

Interest has already been expressed by businesses in Libya, Egypt, the Netherlands, the UK, France, Italy and Jordan.

The forum will tackle legal issues, the reconstruction of Libya, women in Libya, and oil and gas, among other topics.

The speakers' line-up including Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, Opposition leader Joseph Muscat, British MP Daniel Kawczynski, the founder of the Libyan Foundation for Rehabilitation Ahmed M Shembesh, the founder of the Voice of Libyan Women Allaa Murabita, the CEO of the Libyan Housing Authority Hatem H Benfayed, and the former UK coordinator for the NTC, Guma El Gamati.

The networking event will be taken to a virtual level through a website http://newlibyaforum.com, which will also keep the event alive.

EMCS chairman John Grech, who will also chair the forum, said the situation in Libya was a people's situation.

"There are people out there with aspirations who want to change things but we cannot influence or have a bearing on the change. We can only help Libya's opening up to take part in the world's economy."

Dr Shembesh said "we lost a lot, we now have to build a lot and we have to help the people help themselves".

Malta, he said, could be the hub for business and Libyans could also be brought to Malta to specialise in health related subjects, such as psychology.

By bringing all the relevant parties together, EMCS and Deloitte hope to create a better understanding and the required networking to contribute to the rebuilding of a prosperous new Libya.

The forum will provide delegates with detailed information on the current state of affairs in Libya as well as an insider's perspective on the main challenges and opportunities for business.

The organisations also hope to organise a similar event in Tripoli in future.