Libya invites Japanese firms to bid in upcoming infrastructure and energy tenders
Libya’s Minister of Economy and Trade, Suhail Abushihah, has called on Japanese companies to participate in forthcoming public tenders, particularly in the energy and infrastructure sectors, as part of a broader effort to strengthen economic ties with Tokyo.
The invitation was made during a meeting in Tripoli with Japan’s ambassador to Libya, Shimura Izuru, where both sides discussed avenues to expand bilateral trade and investment.
In a statement, the Ministry of Economy and Trade said the talks form part of Libya’s strategy to widen its economic partnerships and engage more actively with markets in the Asia-Pacific region. Officials also explored the foundations for a more balanced economic relationship, acknowledging that current levels of cooperation remain limited.
Discussions also covered recent developments in Libya’s oil investment sector. The ministry highlighted the outcomes of a public bidding round launched earlier this year, which attracted several international partnerships. Authorities say this reflects a gradual improvement in the country’s investment climate and its growing ability to compete for high-quality foreign investment.
Both sides stressed the importance of building economic relations based on mutual interests, knowledge transfer and fair opportunities, while aligning with Libya’s national development priorities. Such cooperation, they noted, would contribute to generating added value for the domestic economy.
Framework agreements under consideration
The meeting further examined the possibility of establishing memoranda of understanding and broader framework agreements between Libya and Japan. These measures are intended to streamline procedures, regulate economic cooperation and create a more stable and transparent investment environment.
According to the ministry, the discussions align with the government’s wider vision to enhance the competitiveness of the national economy, diversify international partners and open new channels of cooperation with countries across Asia and the Pacific. Officials believe such steps will support economic stability and strengthen Libya’s position in global trade and investment.
