The Italian-Libyan Chamber of Commerce is set to return to Benghazi on Monday for field inspections in the city center, alongside engineers from the Libyan Development and Reconstruction Fund. The chamber's president, Nicola Colicchi, and director, Francesco Moraca, will lead a delegation of companies and professionals specializing in restoration, engineering, and construction. This visit aims to assess the damage and potential for restoration in the historic city center.
The historic city center of Benghazi, designed and built by Italians during the last century, suffered severe damage during recent conflicts. The area is a primary focus of the reconstruction efforts, with over 150 architecturally significant buildings, including the cathedral, old banking buildings, and the Italian consulate. The Berenice Theater, designed by Marcello Piacentini and Luigi Piccinato, was demolished in 2023. The Italian-Libyan Chamber of Commerce coordinated the participation of more than 40 prominent Italian entities at the "Benghazi Urban" exhibition earlier this month.
The "Benghazi Urban" exhibition, held from September 6 to 8, was organized by the reconstruction fund's director, engineer Belqasem Haftar. The event showcased the chamber's efforts to bring together Italian companies and professionals to contribute to Benghazi's reconstruction. On the eve of the exhibition, Colicchi emphasized Italy's role in Benghazi's revival, highlighting the city's Italian origin in terms of style, names, and architecture.
The upcoming site inspections are part of ongoing dialogue between the chamber and the fund about restoring Benghazi's heart. The chamber's design team presented the master plan for the historic center during a meeting in Benghazi on September 13. The goal is to preserve the area's architectural identity while accommodating modernization needs. The committee overseeing the project was established by Fund Decision No. 10 of 2026.
Participating firms in the restoration efforts include Pascualucci, Piacentini, Europa Engineering, and Renco, as well as engineer Paolo Capaldini. Pascualucci, a Rome-based Italian firm, specializes in construction and restoration, with experience dating back to 1945. Piacentini, headquartered in Prato, works on protected buildings and seismic strengthening. Renco, based in Pesaro, operates in engineering, construction, and services, and already has a permanent presence in Libya.
The Italian-Libyan Chamber of Commerce, a non-profit association founded in Rome in 1997, operates offices in Rome and Tripoli, as well as a representative office in Benghazi. The chamber has been actively involved in promoting Italian-Libyan economic cooperation, particularly in the areas of engineering, infrastructure, renewable energy, and cultural heritage. Previous missions have included Italian companies specializing in various sectors.
The restoration efforts in Benghazi's historic city center are a significant step towards the city's revival. With the support of Italian companies and professionals, the Libyan Development and Reconstruction Fund aims to restore the area's architectural identity and accommodate modernization needs. The Italian-Libyan Chamber of Commerce will continue to play a crucial role in coordinating the efforts of Italian entities involved in the reconstruction process.
Key points
- The Italian-Libyan Chamber of Commerce leads a delegation of companies and professionals to Benghazi for field inspections and restoration efforts.
- The historic city center of Benghazi is a primary focus of the reconstruction efforts, with over 150 architecturally significant buildings.
- The restoration efforts aim to preserve the area's architectural identity while accommodating modernization needs.
