GETTING ON THE BANDWAGON TOGETHER IN LIBYA

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce which is the world's largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations announced on 20 December 2011 its full support to the establishment of a US-Libyan Chamber of Commerce. Compared to this 'United We stand' American image projection, EU member states, primarily France, Italy and the United Kingdom are working against each other in the battle to secure lucrative oil, gas and infrastructure projects as the war-torn country rebuilds and everyone, it seems, wants a slice of the action.

Admittedly EU countries have an interest in promoting an agreement with the successors of Gaddafi. But they will crumble if they fail to move beyond arguinng over the 'cake'. The common interest of Europeans, and Libyans, lies in never having to regret the end of Gaddafi. After that, business will come to those who will be capable of it. That's the only acceptable competition between the EU member states.

In order to show greater unity of purpose and avert a 'Divided We Fall' outcome, Christian D. de Fouloy, Chairman of the Association of Accredited Lobbyists to the European Union, who was heavily involved in providing support to the Libyan Transitional Council (TNC) during its international appeal for recognition is dedicated to the creation of a Eurocham-Libya (European Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Libya), that will provide a strong coordinated body for Libyan pan-European cooperation. EU business stakeholders primarily the French-Libyan Chamber of Commerce, the Italian-Libyan Chamber of Commerce, the British Libyan Business Council and the German-Africa Business Association as well as other interested national bilateral chambers in the EU are invited to become founding members of Eurocham-Libya and the support of distinguished organisations such as Businesseurope and Eurochambres is viewed as essential to give the thrust Eurocham-Libya deserves.

Eurocham-Libya should begin its important work in a timely manner, and provide the requisite support to EU businesses looking to invest in Libya.

The establishment of Eurocham-Libya will represent a major show of support from the EU private sector for the political and economic aspirations of the people of Libya, while at the same time delivering real economic benefits to EU and Libyan companies and the region as a whole.

Eurocham Libya will be uniquely positioned to provide the expertise of its members to the Libyan government and business community during this inspiring period of political transition.

The role of Eurocham Libya will be to give support to all  EU businesses wishing to enter the Libyan market, as well as to provide important links between Libyan and EU companies.

Initially, Eurocham-Libya will have its initial base of operations in Brussels and co-locate with AALEP and upon its final organisation will be transitioning to offices in Tripoli, Libya.