**Egyptian and Libyan Business Groups Plan Permanent Trade Expo in Benghazi**
*Benghazi, Libya – August 30, 2026* – The Federation of Egyptian Industries (FEI) and the General Union of Chambers of Commerce in Benghazi (GUCCB) have agreed to establish a permanent exhibition showcasing Egyptian products in Libya. The initiative, outlined in a cooperation protocol signed by the two organisations, will be supported by dedicated warehouses and logistical‑service centres aimed at enhancing industrial, commercial and investment ties between Egypt and Libya.
**First Exhibition Scheduled for April 2027**
Under the protocol, an annual “Egyptian‑Libyan Industrial Integration Exhibition” will be held in Benghazi, with the inaugural event slated for April 2027. The exhibition is intended to connect companies and factories from both countries, promote joint projects, and attract investment.
**Scope of Cooperation**
Hisham El‑Gazzar, head of the Exhibitions and Small Projects Committee of the FEI, said the agreement seeks to:
– Support industrial integration and technology transfer;
– Encourage joint ventures and value‑chain development;
– Increase trade and investment flows;
– Enhance the competitiveness of products in both the Libyan and Egyptian markets.
El‑Gazzar identified target sectors that include building materials, food, chemicals, engineering, plastics, wood, furniture, clothing, textiles, leather and footwear, noting “opportunities for integration and investment within the Libyan market.”
**Libyan Strategic Vision**
Saleh Al‑Obaidi, chairman of the Management Committee of the GUCCB, highlighted Libya’s strategic location as a catalyst for the partnership. He explained that Libya aims to strengthen its role as a transit hub for trade with “deep Africa,” particularly the markets of Chad, Niger, Sudan and Mali. Al‑Obaidi said the development of storage facilities, logistical services, and free‑zone incentives will facilitate the movement of commercial convoys and the entry of Egyptian products into these regional markets.
**Next Steps**
Both parties will work on establishing the necessary infrastructure for the permanent exhibition, including warehousing and marketing centres, to support the planned April 2027 launch. The collaboration is positioned as part of broader efforts to deepen economic integration between Egypt and Libya and to leverage Libya’s geographic advantage for broader African trade.
Article and image source: libyaherald.com
