The Indonesian Embassy in Tripoli organized the "Indonesia-Libya Business Forum" on December 3, 2024, at the Taj Hotel in Misrata. The event, themed "Progress & Prospects of Indonesia-Libya Economic Cooperation and Sharing Experience of Doing Business with Indonesia," aimed to strengthen economic relations between Indonesia and Libya, particularly focusing on Misrata.
The forum was attended by Dede Achmad Rifai, Charge d'Affairs a.i. of the Indonesian Embassy, and key representatives from the Misrata Chamber of Commerce and Industry, including Chairman Fathi Al Turki.
Approximately 50 local business leaders participated, including representatives from companies such as Dar al Hayat for Stationery, Jabal Kilimanjaro Furniture, and Thulathi Albarka.
Rifai expressed his appreciation to the Misrata Chamber for facilitating the forum and highlighted the growing economic ties between Indonesia and Libya since the embassy moved its operations to Tripoli in May 2022. He noted an increase in Indonesian companies participating in the Tripoli International Fair and Libyan businesses attending the Indonesian Trade Expo in recent years.
Despite the progress, Rifai pointed out that fewer Misrata businesses have engaged in trade with Indonesia despite the wide range of Indonesian products already available in Libya. These include paper, processed coffee, canned tuna, and furniture, among others. He acknowledged challenges such as high shipping costs and payment difficulties as obstacles to further growth.
The Indonesian Embassy has committed to supporting Misrata businesses by offering visa facilitation and assisting with direct or virtual meetings with Indonesian companies. The embassy hopes the forum will lead to stronger business relations between Misrata and Indonesia.
