On September 20, 2026, Ayman Al-Darwish, director of the Misrata Free Zone in Libya, met with Sean Chircop, the acting ambassador of Malta to Libya. The meeting focused on exploring cooperation in maintenance and training, as well as discussing economic and commercial collaboration between the two parties. The Libyan-Maltese meeting took place at the free zone's premises.
According to a statement by the Misrata Free Zone administration, the discussions aimed to enhance bilateral relations and identify investment opportunities. The Maltese delegation was briefed on the zone's capabilities, including its strategic location, infrastructure, and logistical capacities. These advantages make the Misrata Free Zone an attractive hub for trade and investment.
The Maltese ambassador was given a tour of the zone's facilities, including the maritime port. He was impressed by the zone's operational and logistical capabilities, as well as its supporting infrastructure and services for commercial and investment activities. This visit showcased the zone's potential to support increased trade and economic cooperation between Libya and Malta.
In January, the Libyan government launched a $2.7 billion project to develop and expand the Misrata Free Zone's port. The project, which involves Qatari, Italian, and Swiss companies, aims to increase the port's capacity to four million containers annually. This expansion is expected to create over 60,000 jobs and strengthen Libya's position in the regional logistics market.
The Misrata Free Zone has been actively seeking to attract investments, particularly from Italy. In a related development, the zone signed two memoranda of understanding with Italian companies to promote investment. These agreements reflect the zone's efforts to diversify its partnerships and capitalize on its strategic location.
The meeting between Al-Darwish and Chircop highlights the growing interest in strengthening economic ties between Libya and Malta. By exploring cooperation in maintenance and training, the two parties aim to build a solid foundation for future collaboration. This exchange may lead to increased trade and investment between the two nations.
The Misrata Free Zone's efforts to enhance its infrastructure and attract investments are part of Libya's broader strategy to revitalize its economy. The zone's development is crucial to the country's economic growth, as it provides a platform for trade and investment. The discussions with the Maltese delegation mark a positive step towards achieving this goal.
Key points
- Misrata Free Zone's director meets with Malta's acting ambassador to explore cooperation in maintenance and training.
