The sixth annual Tunisian-Libyan-Algerian Investment Forum concluded on Monday, after it was held under the slogan "Investment Prospects in Neighboring Countries" on the Tunisian island of Djerba, with the participation of businessmen and delegations from Iran and Palestine.
About 50 participants from Tunisian, Libyan and Algerian organizations in addition to businessmen participated in the forum, which aims to revitalize border areas, support tripartite investment and trade exchange, create job opportunities, and establish joint projects that would advance the economies of neighboring countries, and benefit from the opportunities available in each country.
The member of the High Council of State and Vice President of the Economic Committee of the Supreme Council of Tunisian-Libyan Businessmen, Abdelmottale Baqis, said in press statements on the sidelines of the event that "the forum is an opportunity to promote investment and discuss obstacles to overcome them and create an encouraging economic environment among the three countries by providing an appropriate legislative environment and incentives as well as privileges to investors."
Baqis called for the need to develop legislation and laws, stimulate investment, rethink economic relations, and ways of cooperation to reach a successful economic integration that brings prosperity and stability to the three countries.
The Head of Supreme Council of Tunisian-Libyan Businessmen, Abdelhafid Al-Sakroufi, stressed the importance of opening the MashahadSaleh crossing between Tunisia and Libya, launching a sea route between Zarzis and Tripoli, and linking Djerba Airport with direct air routes to Algeria and Libya.
He revealed in a statement on the sidelines of the forum efforts to establish a joint Tunisian-Iranian chamber similar to the joint Tunisian-Libyan chamber and to conclude partnership and cooperation agreements between participating companies and discuss finding solutions to problems that hinder cooperation and joint investment, especially at the level of the investment law for foreigners, lengthy administrative procedures, and banking difficulties.
The Head of the Algerian Confederation of Businessmen, Khaled Balbal, highlighted the importance of the event to create opportunities for cooperation, expand social networks, exchange experiences and expertise, activate real partnership, unify visions, and achieve joint economic cooperation that meets the aspirations of people and builds investments.
The participants agreed on the importance of creating diverse regional economic spaces based on mutual interests, building real bridges for development between neighbouring countries, and the need to seek solutions to several obstacles that hinder the establishment of effective partnership and cooperation, especially legal, administrative, and customs.