Shathar Al-Sayed, Advisor to the Minister of Economy and Trade and Director of the International Cooperation Office, held a meeting in Rabat, Morocco, with Adam Al-Harriga, Director of the Sub-Regional Office for North Africa (SRO-NA) of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). The discussions centred on advancing economic cooperation and opening new avenues for partnership between the two entities.
Areas of Cooperation and Technical Support
The parties initially reviewed existing cooperation, particularly the technical and advisory support provided by the SRO-NA to Libya. This support included organising specialised workshops and assisting in the preparation of Libya’s national strategy for accession to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Discussions then looked ahead to future cooperation opportunities in vital fields, including economic diversification and supporting inclusive and sustainable development. The meeting also explored ways to support the Ministry’s plan for identifying investment priorities and monitoring current economic developments to meet contemporary demands.
Libya’s Vision for Economic Future
For her part, Shathar Al-Sayed highlighted the Ministry’s interest in capitalising on the Office’s expertise. Al-Sayed revealed that the International Cooperation Office has prepared a comprehensive report on neighbouring countries and those with significant trade exchange with Libya, in addition to studying economic, commercial, and investment opportunities with UN Security Council member states. These efforts are aimed at strengthening partnerships, diversifying revenue sources, and supporting the construction of a diverse and sustainable national economy.
UNECA’s Commitment
Adam Al-Harriga affirmed the SRO-NA’s readiness to provide all forms of technical and economic support, and to formulate a clear vision for Libya that takes its economic specificity into account. He noted that the Office would draw upon its successful experiences and international expertise gained through collaboration with other African nations.
About the SRO-NA
The UNECA North Africa office, based in Morocco since 1963, provides support programmes to member states in crucial areas like regional integration, financial management, and economic diversification, with a particular focus on the challenges faced by middle-income countries.