Mr. Yousef Zurgani, Charge d’Affairs a.i. of Libya to Bulgaria met with the President of BCCI Mr. Tsvetan Simeonov. The businessman and representative of a company-member of the BCCI which has trade and economic interests in Libya Mr. Anastas Terzobaliev also took part in the meeting.
Mr. Simeonov and his guests discussed the bilateral economic relations which are traditionally good, but unfortunately over the last few years trade volumes have been unstable.
In the course of discussion plans to further promote the develop the business relations between the two countries were made, including signing an already approved Memorandum of Understanding by the Chambers of Commerce of Bulgaria and Libya, exchanging business delegations and organizing information events for companies from the two countries.
With regard to this, the need to restore and improve the activity of the Bulgarian – Libyan Economic Council was noted.
Mr. Zurgani informed about the upcoming elections for National Council in Libya, which will take place on 7th July 2012 and expressed confidence that they will result in the formation of a new Government and Parliament, which will draft the country’s new Constitution.
According to Mr. Simeonov, for Bulgaria to be competitive in its relations with Libya in comparison to other European countries the Bulgarian diplomatic mission in Libya should renew its work as soon as possible. There are signals that this may happen by the end of 2012. At present Libyan citizens willing to obtain Bulgarian visas have to contact our Embassies in Turkey and Tunisia. An agreement needs to be signed with Libya to facilitate the visa regime for the holders of diplomatic and special passports; such is the case with other European countries like Italy, Malta and Germany.
The parties also emphasized that intensive construction works are about to start in Libya to restore the country to its pre-war state. Mr. Zurgani expressed hope that Bulgarian companies will take part in these activities, stressing the traditionally good reputation of Bulgarian entrepreneurs in North Africa.