High-level US Commerce official visits Libya to promote business dialogue
Maureen Lorenzetti
Washington Editor
WASHINGTON, DC, June 4 -- US Department of Commerce Asst. Sec. for Market Access and Compliance William Lash led a commercial policy mission to Libya this week, officials said Friday.
During the 2-day mission Wednesday and Thursday, Lash met with numerous senior government officials, including Foreign Minister Mohammed Shalgum, Economy and Trade Minister Abdelkader Bilkhayr, Tourism Minister Ammar El Tayef, Chairman of Libyan Arab Airlines Hosin Dabnon, and National Oil Corp. Chairman Abdellah Elbadri.
He also met with members of the Libyan Businessmen Council and the General Union of the Chambers of Commerce.
"This dialogue is part of an ongoing engagement effort undertaken by the United States in the wake of Libya's decision to abandon its weapons of mass destruction programs and its commitment to oppose all forms of terrorism," Lash said. "We hope that establishing a commercial dialogue will help encourage economic reform in Libya, open new markets for American firms, and improve the quality of life for the Libyan people."
DOC officials said the visit will help facilitate "an informal series of discussions" to support efforts by the Libyan government to develop its private sector, improve its business climate, attract foreign investment, and accede to the World Trade Organization.
During his visit Lash discussed the importance placed by US companies on contract sanctity, rule-of-law, intellectual property protection, and transparency, DOC said. Lash's visit comes as several US companies are in serious negotiations with the Libyan government over frozen and future oil investment in the country.
President George W. Bush lifted most US sanctions on Libya Apr. 23 responding to efforts by Tripoli to fight terrorism and reject weapons of mass destruction.
Contact Maureen Lorenzetti at [email protected].