How to Export to Libya
Doing Business in Libya

Persistence and Patience are Keys to Success: Libya is not an easy place to do business. Those who will succeed here will have identified a specific market opportunity and will be committed to a long term engagement. Several U.S. and foreign firms have found sizable opportunities. They are typically willing to hire someone (whether an expatriate, or Libyan) to represent them on the ground, full time.

Real Opportunities: Apart from the obvious opportunities in the oil & gas sector, there appear to be profitable niches in oil services, maintenance facilities, telecom services and equipment, aircraft parts & supplies, agricultural equipment (pivot irrigation & desalinization), road-building materials, industrial and interior paints, hotel & tourist facilities, personal and household electronics and consumer goods - all kinds. Keep in mind this is a country of only 5.5 million people. While the local market is modest, there are opportunities to use Libya as a base for expansion elsewhere in the region.

Go Through the Front Door: Do not attempt to circumvent bidding processes by finding special sources of patronage or going through a local middleman. This is a tempting option, but the vast majority of the time it will backfire.

Trade Conferences: Numerous trade shows and conferences have been held in Tripoli in recent months, by a variety of organizations. Most of these have not lived up to attendee and sponsor expectations. With rare exceptions, conferences are not the optimal means of making substantive local contacts. Perform due diligence prior to sending representation to any given event; if you have questions, contact U.S. Liaison Office, Tripoli.
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