Libya urged to join WTO

Houcine Rahmouni, Deputy General Manager of the Islamic Centre for Development of Trade has highlighted the significance of Libya becoming a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO). The call was made at the ongoing Economic Diversification conference being held in Tripoli. He said the government needs to join the organization to turn the “inexistent” Libyan economy into a much more dynamic one because of the “big opportunity” at its disposal. The WTO has more than 150 member countries.
The deputy general believes that Libya should join the organization and elaborate 5 and 10 year plans to make use of the opportunities its membership will offer. According to him, these plans should be accompanied by executive programs in economic, social and cultural fields. To make the implementation of its plans more effective, Libya is urged to call on the regional and global expertise and embark on twinning programs with companies in the economic sector.
Rahmouni warned that “Libya cannot work without being part of this organization” and wishes that the government will soon begin the process. However, he wants the government to dedicate its effort to industrialization, services and developing agriculture to respond to local demand and achieve self-sufficiency and be able to export.
“Libya has a big opportunity whereby its economy is almost inexistent” said Rahmouni. He believes that if the good decisions are taking, Libya can “positively” use the opportunity “to build its economy on sound bases with good infrastructure, while focusing on legislation to achieve this”. The importance of high technology was also presented.
The Islamic Centre for Development of Trade (ICDT) is a vibrant actor which has been encouraging countries to be part of trade organizations.  ICDT is under the Organization of Islamic Cooperation located in Rabat.