Libya’s First Trade Fair Since Qaddafi Ouster Slated for April

Libya’s economy minister said the country’s first trade fair since Muammar Qaddafi was ousted and killed last year will focus on opportunities to rebuild infrastructure.

Economy Minister Ahmed El-Koshly told reporters late yesterday the 40th Tripoli International Trade Fair will run from April 2 to April 24.

Trade fair manager Ahmed Ali Mourad said that about 350 local companies are participating, while international firms from eight nations have expressed interest. Mourad said the largest foreign contingent slated to attend was from France, with about 50 companies representing various industries including construction and housing.

Libya sits atop Africa’s largest proven reserves of crude. Officials have said much of the infrastructure needs rebuilding, partly because of the fighting and also from decades of neglect under Qaddafi’s regime.

To contact the reporter on this story: Saleh Sarrar in Tripoli ssarar@bloomberg.net

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Andrew J. Barden in Dubai at barden@bloomberg.net