# Libyan-Italian economic cooperation in Misurata > Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/libyan-italian-economic-cooperation-in-misurata > Updated: 2026-11-10T08:32:23.000Z. Sources: 25. Developments: 6. Economic ties between Libya and Italy are being strengthened through a series of business initiatives centered in the Misurata Free Zone. In late October 2026, it was announced that the Misrata Free Zone would host the ‘Misrata 2026’ Libyan-Italian Business and Investment Forum on November 1-2. This forum aims to expand cooperation in energy, logistics, trade, and industrial sectors, building upon a bilateral trade relationship currently valued at €3.627 billion. Following this announcement, a delegation of approximately 60 Italian companies, including entities such as Fincantieri and Grimaldi Euromed, scheduled a five-day mission in Misurata from October 31 to November 4. Organized by the Italo-Libyan Chamber of Commerce, the Italian Embassy in Tripoli, and Unioncamere, the mission focuses on port logistics and industrial collaboration. The forum officially opened on November 1, with Italian Ambassador to Tripoli, Gianluca Alberini, noting that Misurata has the potential to serve as a “trans-continental logistics hub connecting Europe and Africa,” an objective aligned with the Mattei Plan. During the event, over 110 companies and 20 institutions gathered to explore market access to Africa, focusing on eight key sectors including mechanical engineering, pharmaceuticals, and maritime industry. By November 3, the mission resulted in several formal agreements. The Western Sicilian Sea Port System Authority signed a protocol with the Misurata Free Zone to enhance port and logistics cooperation. Furthermore, the Izsum Institute signed a memorandum of understanding with the Italian-Libyan Chamber of Commerce to focus on animal health, food safety, and veterinary training, including technology transfer and epidemiological surveillance. Following the Misurata forum, Italian involvement expanded into reconstruction and broader industrial sectors. In Benghazi, a delegation of 17 representatives began working with the Libya Development and Reconstruction Fund to plan the recovery of the historic city center, targeting the restoration of residential buildings and public landmarks. ## Timeline ### 2026-11-10: Italy expands industrial and construction presence in Libya Italy is expanding its economic footprint in Libya through major participation in construction and energy summits, targeting infrastructure, oil and gas, and industrial modernization projects. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italy-expands-industrial-and-construction-presence-in-libya ### 2026-11-06: Italian companies and technicians launch missions in Libya Italian businesses and technical experts are conducting missions in Benghazi and Misurata to support urban reconstruction and economic development through various industrial and infrastructure sectors. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italian-companies-and-technicians-launch-missions-in-libya ### 2026-11-03: Italy and Libya sign agreements to boost trade and veterinary cooperation Italy and Libya have signed multiple agreements in Misurata to enhance maritime logistics, port cooperation, and veterinary health standards, including food safety and laboratory training. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italy-and-libya-sign-agreements-to-boost-trade-and-veterinary-cooperation ### 2026-11-01: Misurata Free Zone hosts Libyan-Italian Business Forum The LIBIF 2026 forum in Misurata aimed to boost Libyan-Italian economic ties, highlighting Italy as a top trade partner and the Misurata Free Zone as a strategic gateway to African markets. 13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italy-and-libya-hold-business-forum-in-misurata ### 2026-10-30: Italian business delegation visits Misurata to strengthen Libya partnerships Sixty Italian companies are visiting Misurata, Libya, for a five-day mission to promote economic cooperation, logistics, and industrial investment through the Misurata Free Zone. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italian-business-delegation-visits-misurata-to-strengthen-libya-partnerships ### 2026-10-23: Misrata Free Zone to host Libyan-Italian business forum The Misrata Free Zone will host the ‘Misrata 2026’ forum on November 1-2 to boost Libyan-Italian investment in energy, logistics, and industry. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/misrata-free-zone-to-host-libyan-italian-business-forum --- Cite as: Libyan-Italian economic cooperation in Misurata. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/libyan-italian-economic-cooperation-in-misurata