Trade between Libya and China exceeded $3 billion in 2025, fueled by private sector initiatives and the return of Chinese firms, reports Libya Observer.
Trade between Libya and China surpassed US$3 billion in 2025, driven largely by private sector activity, reported Libya Observer. Khaled Rashid, head of Libya's High Committee for Supervising Libyan-Chinese Cooperation, stated that efforts are underway to restore suspended projects and accelerate the return of Chinese companies.
Mr. Rashid told RT that China remains a strategic partner for Libya, noting that before 2011, Chinese firms had signed contracts worth more than US$25 billion covering housing, infrastructure, and development zones. He mentioned that the committee has worked closely with Beijing, including reopening the Chinese Embassy in Tripoli and organizing an official visit to China last March.
Practical steps have included the launch of a direct COSCO maritime route linking Chinese ports with Benghazi and Misrata, cutting shipping times from more than a month to about two weeks. Mr. Rashid indicated that the service is expected to boost trade volumes and improve the flow of goods.
He added that procedures to establish a direct air cargo route between Libya and China are in their final stages. The project is expected to support trade and investment while enhancing Libya's role as a regional transit hub.
Technical committees have reviewed previous contracts with Chinese firms and forwarded findings to the Chinese Embassy in Tripoli to discuss mechanisms for completing or converting projects into new investments. Mr. Rashid confirmed that several Chinese companies have already resumed work in Libya.
He also announced that negotiations on a solar power plant in western Libya are nearing completion. The project, coordinated with the Renewable Energy Authority, is a priority in clean energy cooperation alongside cultural, academic, and technological exchanges.
