BBC Radio Interview

This is the interview which BBC Radio "World Today" conducted with me regarding business opportunities in new Libya

Pre existing and new business opportunities in Libya

The fall of the Gaddafi regime in August 2011 marks the end of a dictatorship era in Libya.

Libya is country with a population of just over 6 million and has Africa's largest oil reserves, with 46 billion barrels of oil and 54 trillion cubic of gas.

The country has up to $170 billion worth of frozen assets abroad alone. After the removal of Gaddafi and the destruction caused to most of its infrastructure by the war, the country requires a near complete rebuild from housing, schools, hospitals to services etc.

Libya is expected to offer more than $200 billion in investment opportunities over the next 10 years.

We, at SOC Libya, are keen to assist, help and support international companies to start doing their “home-work” to prepare for the huge opportunities Libya will be offering and at the same time, we are offering our services for companies with existing contracts, signed during Gaddafi era, which will be honoured, to return to Libya and resume operations.

To speak to us on how we could help you, please contact us at:-

SOC Libya Ltd. E: info@soclibya.com. T: +44 208 208 3120. M: ++44 777 4013043

Opportunities in New Libya

Despite all the troubles in Libya at the moment and how businesses have been greatly affected. We strongly believe that international businesses will not face unique, exceptional or overwhelming challenges in a new Libya. Libya will offer new and great business opportunities for all to grab in all sectors, the country will simply require total rebuild. Talk to us now on how we could help you or your company to prepare for the next steps. SOC Libya Ltd - 111 Harp Island Close. London, NW10 0DQ. UK Tel: +44 208208 3120 - Mobile: +44 777 40 13043 Email: info@soclibya.com - Website www.soclibya.com

We will always be ONE - FREE LIBYA

Tripoli Libya 1964

THE DATES OF AL JUFRAH DESERT - documentary by Walter Bencini

Libyan government lending to foreign states

Feb 9 (Reuters) - A Libyan government document obtained by
Reuters showed the oil exporter is owed over $3 billion dollars
by foreign governments after handing out dozens of loans that
underscore its wealth and its diplomatic clout. the document,
which was drafted by the Libyan General Peoples' Committee for
International Cooperation, or foreign ministry.

The documents also states that the following countries have
fully repaid loans to Libya: Hungary, Poland, Benin, Vietnam,
Panama, Ghana, Algeria, Uganda, Gabon

* Amounts in millions of U.S. dollars unless otherwise stated
** Loans not yet due for repayment

To see full article please see this link http://reut.rs/h1HvHz

New Mobile Services in Libya (LIBYAPHONE)

Libya Telecom and Technology (LTT) announced during a ceremony held on Monday, 31/01/2011 the launch of new service called LIBYAPHONE, the ceremony was attended by a large number of Executive Directors, Director Generals, members of Board of Directors, Chairmen, Engineers and Technicians of Libya’s Telecom Sector.

This makes LTT a third mobile business in Libya after Libyana and Al Madar, and it operates its network by a new local mobile code (095).


This new service aims to provide mobile phone services enhanced with high Internet service and applications for the fast growing market sector in Libya. The company’s previous experience with internet service through the two networks the second generation and third generation allows it to expend and create such service.

More restrictions on multi entries visa to Libya

The Libyan authorities made it more difficult to obtain mutli visas to Libya and there are many rumors about the reason and none is proven. Some well-connected companies can still obtain visas but there fees increased more than 100%.

It started in Dec last year and we thought it will not last but we were wrong. Again no one knows when it will end. Last week I travelled to Libya and I could see a few passengers on the way in and back. The Libyan embassy in London receives less and less applications.

We are still monitoring the situation and we will keep you informed if any changes

Libya's beautiful beaches (2)

New Services from SOC Libya

We are pleased to announce that we have now launched new services called LONDON OFFICE SERVICES aimed to help Libyan Business Persons, Government or Local organisation & Companies in the UK.

The main purpose of the London office or bureau is to assist Libyan companies, groups and individuals in the UK.


Why Choose London as a European Headquarters?
• It is one of the most influential cities in the world.
• Great centre for banks and raising international capital.
• Very popular with international businesses, and a home to thousands of companies.
• It has an enormous range of cultural, sports and entertainment activities.
• Multicultural with English as the first language.
• Good international and local transport links.
• Offers a safe and satisfying lifestyle.
• A good centre for property investment.


SOC Libya Services
To apply SOC Libya’s extensive knowledge and range of skills of the UK, international and Libyan Markets, and our network of contacts to provide Libyan individuals and companies with effective support and assistance in the following areas:


 Assist with visits and itineraries or appointment setting etc.
 Help with internal transport, accommodation, hotel, property search etc.
 To represent individuals and companies in the UK.
 Translation and interpreting support.
 Marketing research to find UK, EU or International business partners.
 Help with import/export.

 Marketing services, such as setting up seminars.
 Setting up meeting and appointments in the UK on behalf on their behalves.
 To receive and respond to enquiries and requests.
 To promote businesses in the UK.

First Gulf Bank opens new branch of First Gulf Libyan Bank in Tripoli

First Gulf Bank (FGB) recently celebrated the opening of its newest branch of First Gulf Libyan Bank (FGLB) at the Rixos Hotel in Tripoli.

FGLB was established as part of a strategic partnership between FGB and the Libyan Government Economic and Social Development Fund (ESDF). FGLB has authorized capital of approximately $400m, which was put forward by both FGB and the ESDF equally. The paid up capital for the FGLB is $200m, which makes it one of the largest banks currently operating in Libya.

The opening ceremony was attended by Mr. Hamed El Houderi, General Manager of ESDF and Chairman of FGLB; Mr. Abdulhamid Saeed, the Managing Director and the Vice Chairman of FGLB; and Mr. Abdelrazek Elhoush, the General Manager of the FGLB.

Mr. Abdulhamid Saeed remarked at the opening, stating that, "This is a momentous occasion for First Gulf Bank. This new branch is in line with our greater strategy to expand our services and offerings geographically. With our new branch in Tripoli, we know that we will be able to positively impact upon the development of the Libyan Financial Market and the greater economy. We also are committed to providing a host of innovative financial services to our customers."

Commenting at the opening, Mr. Abdelrazek Elhoushsaid, "The branch which we have opened here at the Rixos hotel is the first branch which we have opened outside of the First Gulf Libyan Bank Headquarters in Tripoli."

He added, "This is just the beginning, we are actively looking at other locations where we can open branches in the city of Tripoli. Outside the capital we are looking to open branches in Benghazi and Misurata. In the near future, we hope that we will be able to provide a full banking service to our customers in Libya."

Source: Press Release

Libya aims to triple power capacity within 10 years

According to The National Libya wants to triple its power generation capacity within a decade to support what it hopes will be a flood of foreign investment aimed at expanding and diversifying an economy that is heavily dependent on oil and gas exports.

The government's plan includes increasing installed electrical generation capacity to 20 gigawatts by 2020 from about 6.2gw at present. As well as supplying the domestic market, Libya is aiming to export power to Europe.

Tripoli has also set a target of supplying 10 per cent of its energy consumption from renewable sources, especially solar and wind power.

That is more ambitious than the UAE's 7 per cent renewable-energy commitment over the same period, but lower than targets set by some Mediterranean Arab neighbours such as Morocco, Egypt and Lebanon.

"The Great Jamahiriya [Libya's parliament] assigns special interest in the energy sector, acquiring knowledge, as well as increasing the energy efficiency by utilising cutting-edge technology and enhancing rationalisation of energy," the Libyan privatisation and investment board stated in an investment presentation yesterday in Abu Dhabi.

"Libya seeks to significantly contribute to regional and global programmes in the energy sector, leveraging its well-positioned geographic location [between the] European and African continents."

In addition, Tripoli would support environmental protection projects, the presentation indicated.

Libya produces most of its electricity by burning oil. This summer, energy officials said the government had launched strategic initiatives aimed at encouraging gas exploration and development, with a view to using gas for most power generation while exporting more oil. However, in the absence of large new gas discoveries, that could leave Libya without surplus gas to continue its current exports of the fuel, mainly by pipeline to Europe.



Tripoli's new renewable energy strategy may therefore be partly driven by fears that its gas development drive may fail.

On Thursday, Royal Dutch Shell said it was appraising a gas discovery on its concession in Libya's Sirte basin and would continue drilling.

Source: The National

Our Tripoli Office

We are pleased to announce that we have moved to a bigger office in Tripoli.

Tripoli office
Zanget Bakir, Dahra - Tripoli - Libya
Mobile: + 218 (0) 91 360 5043
Email: soclibya@yahoo.com
SKYPE ID: soclibya

Activities:-

The Tripoli office is located in the Dahra area in central Tripoli.
The office adds value to SOC Libya’s services for the Libyan market and provides local support for all of SOC Libya’s range of business functions.
The office offers the same services as the London-based head office.
Its main purpose and objective is to act as operational and strategic support for all SOC Libya projects in Libya and to provide in-country assistance. The office location is fully equipped and is available for our clients, whether they are local or international companies. Confidential meetings can be held with clients and business partners in the heart of Tripoli where most international businesses are based.

The working hours of the office in Tripoli are from Saturday to Thursday from 8:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

We look forward to welcoming you.

An Ad for SOC Libya

We would like to announce that we have recently placed an ad at Business Time Libya Magazine and here is the link (http://www.businesstime.ly/mag/issue14/). You will find us at page no 6. We would like to share your views or comments with us.

About the magazine

“BusinessTime is the first Libyan business-class advertising magazine, issued by Abjad Strategies & designed by Arkan Co. for media & marketing, It’s a monthly full English coloured advertising, guiding & servicing magazine”.

Thuraya to launch post-paid mobile satellite services in Libya

Major customers in Libya will now be able to enjoy Thuraya's post-paid mobile satellite handheld services. This comes after the signing of a commercial agreement between the mobile satellite operator and Al Jeel Al Jadeed, a firm specialised in satellite communications.

Furthermore, Al Jeel Al Jadeed, which is a subsidiary to Libya Post Telecom and Information Technology Company (LPTIC) that replaces old General Post and Telecommunications Company (GPTC), has been assigned as a distributor of Thuraya IP and Marine services which will be promoted to vertical markets in Libya. Al Jeel Al Jadeed will be focusing on targeting large corporate organisations which form the main customer base of satellite-based communications services.

"With Thuraya going more towards vertical markets, it makes a lot of sense to gear business offerings towards service models appropriate for corporate users, and the post-paid satellite handheld service is a prime example of that direction. Post-paid services ensure customers credit availability as opposed to pre-paid services whereby customers have to observe their credit limits," said Thuraya's Chief Technology Officer, Mr. Ali Al Mazrooei.

He also added that both Thuraya IP and Marine are compact and user-friendly solutions that will be rolled out rapidly through the distribution network of Al Jeel Al Jadeed.

On a similar note, Mr. Mohamed Hassan, CEO and Chairman of Al Jeel Al Jadeed said, "We are very proud to be the first to introduce post-paid services for mobile satellite handhelds to the Libyan market and facilitate voice communications for our customers. Thuraya's competitive products, IP and Marine will be met with great demand in Libya due to their advanced features and efficiency."

He elaborated that Thuraya's diverse portfolio including voice, data, maritime and tracking services meets the needs of vertical market sectors such as government, corporate and oil and gas firms.

Thuraya's handheld pre-paid services have been available in Libya since 2002 and the introduction of post-paid services is an expansion of the Company's offerings.

Thuraya IP is the world's smallest satellite broadband solution and capable of achieving streaming speeds of 384 Kbps. With Standard IP speeds of up to 444 Kbps, Thuraya IP requires no additional software for installation as it is based on a user-friendly plug and play system. A-5 sized which adds to its portability and mobility, it is the only satellite broadband solution with asymmetric streaming where customers can select upload and download speeds for high quality service cost-effectively.

Thuraya Marine is a multi-communication device offering voice, data, SMS and fax services onboard ships. The solution also provides distress calling services to organisations selected by the customer. The solution is easy-to-install and has an advanced antenna that is omni-directional and flexibly moves with the ship.

Source: AMEinfo.com

No more Arabic Translation to passports required!

The Libyan Government (General People’s Committee) has officially announced that an Arabic Translation is NO longer required for obtaining visas to Libya. All Libyan Embassies abroad have been notified by official letters.

This is another good step Libya took towards making visa process much easier. Now travellers to Libya can now submit visa application without the need to worry about it.

Furthermore, Libya recently introduced a single entry business visa which can be obtained at Airports.

SOC Libya gained the news from reliable Libyan officials.


Photo taken from Temehu website

Desert and Shore – The Libyan Water Industry Examined, event in London

British Water and Libyan British Business Council organised a half-day event called “Desert & Shore-The Libyan Water Industry Examined” which took place Friday 29th Oct 2010 at the British Water’s HQ, 1 Queen Anne’s Gate, London.
The event highlighted the business opportunities in the water sector in Libya for British companies and organisations.

The programme and speakers were as follows:-

Welcome
Lila Thompson, International Director, British Water

Introduction
Robin Lamb, Director General,
Libyan British Business Council

The Great Man Made River Authority
Dr Abdul Salam Jehawi, Member of the Committee – GMRA

Al Nahr Engineering Ltd, London
Salem El Maiar, London Office Manager, GMRA

Project Delivery, Finance is the Key
Bob Kottler, Operations Director, Biwater International

Economic and Political Overview
Oliver Miles CMG, Deputy Chairman LBBC, former British Ambassador to Libya

Mr. El Maiar & Dr. Jehawi delivered insight and detailed presentations about water sector in Libya.

Mr. Tarek Alwan, MD of SOC Libya attended the event. The current British Ambassador to Libya, Mr Richard Northern, attended the event too.

ان كنت تحب أمك فشاهد هذا المقطع Your mother

LIBYA COMES IN FROM THE COLD

This is an article about Libya Mr. Tarek Alwan & Jim Foxall (Business Advisor of SOC Libya) wrote for London Business Matters. The magazine is a part of London Chamber of Commerce. It’s being published in the October 2010 issue.

The article talks about the Libyan’s economy, oil and gas, infrastructure and training and education.

To view the full article, please go to the link below.

http://www.londonbusinessmatters.co.uk/archive/2010-10/index.html#/16