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ABOUT THE USLBA
The U.S.-Libya Business Association is the only U.S. trade association focusing on the United States and Libya. It was incorporated in 2005 as a result of the resumption of U.S-Libya diplomatic and commercial relations, to enhance the U.S.-Libya relationship, educate the public about the importance of U.S.-Libya trade, and facilitate the commercial and diplomatic dialogue between the two countries. Its founders believe that the bonds forged by trade and investment form the groundwork for an improved and long-lasting bilateral relationship. For more information, visit www.us-lba.org
The USLBA is a non-profit, member-based organization that sponsors regular policy conferences, briefing sessions and major events featuring senior US and Libyan officials.
The USLBA welcomes inquiries about our program and the benefits of membership. Please contact us at info@us-lba.org.
FEATURED DEVELOPMENTS IN THE US-LIBYA RELATIONSHIP
On Thursday May 20, 2010, the U.S.-Libya Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) was signed in Tripoli, by Chris Wilson, Assistant USTR for Europe and the Middle East and Undersecretary Taher M. Sarkez of the General People's Committee for Industry, Economy, and Trade. To view the USLBA press release click here. For the USTR's public statement concerning the signing click here. For the English text of the TIFA agreement click here.
On Monday April 26, 2010, Colonel Mu’ammar al-Qadhafi, Leader of Libya spoke via video telecast to the World Affairs Council of Washington, DC. He discussed the state of the U.S.-Libya relationship, Libya’s goals for its time as chair of the League of Arab States, and Libya’s proposed solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
In response to a question from the USLBA concerning the types of U.S. companies he wishes to see invest in Libya, the Leader responded that in 2010 there are “no longer any obstacles to hinder U.S. investment” and in “the Libya of the future” he envisions U.S. companies operating in a range of sectors including transport, electricity, and infrastructure development, reassuring the audience that “the door is wide open” for American companies.
To watch the teleconference (in English) as posted on YouTube click here. (The first few minutes of the posted video consist of the title screen, as well as organizer’s and moderator’s introductory remarks. Qadhafi’s speech begins at 11:49. To watch the USLBA’s question being asked by the event’s moderator Herman Cohen and Qadhafi’s response, click here and start watching at 47:54.)
On February 26th, Ambassador Aujali spoke at a luncheon in his honor at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia hosted by Physicians for Peace. Find out how to attend by clicking here. read an article from the Virginia Pilot about the work Physicians for Peace is doing in Libya. To learn how your organization can participate in this top-notch humanitarian work in Libya call 757-625-7569 or email mbridgforth@physiciansforpeace.org
THE USLBA's PAST AND ACHIEVEMENTS
In its May 20, 2010 article US, Libya Sign Trade And Investment Pact To Improve Ties the Wall Street Journal referenced USLBA as follows, “The U.S.-Libya Business Association, which is led by major oil companies like Chevron Corp. (CVX) and BP PLC (BP, BP.LN), called the pact a ‘milestone’ in the relationship that would help strengthen economic and diplomatic ties. ‘With more than $60 billion in Libyan infrastructure projects over the next three years, the signing of the TIFA is especially timely,’ the group said in a statement.” To read the whole article click here.
Our role in the normalization of US-Libya relations and the return of the US Ambassador to Tripoli.
Our role in spreading the view that the progress in US-Libya ties is an excellent template for how diplomacy, investment and business can work together to reward states that abandon their sponsorship of terror and pursuit of WMD programs. This is an important lesson for possible détente with Iran and North Korea.
The USLBA has made itself THE most relevant forum for US Business leaders, US politicians, and Libyan government officials to engage each other and forge the ties that propel the U.S.-Libya relationship forward.
We have hosted two very successful policy conferences in Washington with U.S. Congressmen and State Department officials, as well as Libyan cabinet-level officials. These are opportunities for your organization to benefit from USLBA membership.
Our two trips to Libya with USLBA business delegations resulted in numerous cabinet-level meetings and extensive interaction with both working-level government officials and the Libyan private sector.
We regularly host off-the-record meetings where our members are briefed by U.S. and Libyan officials on key developments in the U.S.-Libya relationship and the Libyan economy.
To read more about the USLBA’s events see our Events page.RECENT HAPPENINGS IN THE US-LIBYA RELATIONSHIP
US Ambassador to Libya addresses live panel of experts and CSPAN TV at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace: On June 4, 2010, Ambassador Gene Cretz presented an overview of developments in the U.S.-Libya relationship over the past twelve months. He explained how the, “U.S. has core equities at stake in Libya in the areas of non-proliferation, counterterrorism, military, economic, political, and public diplomacy cooperation. And we consider Libya a strategic ally in the region. Libya continues to serve as a model for global nuclear non-proliferation efforts.” To watch a recording of the CSPAN telecast click here.
US Ambassador to Libya speaks in Princeton: Ambassador Gene Cretz spoke at Princeton University about US-Libya relations on December 4, 2009. His prepared remarks can be read here.
Libyan Takes Helm at UN General Assembly: On September 16, 2009, Libyan diplomat Ali Treki took the helm of the UN General Assembly.
High-Level State Department Visit to Tripoli: In September, 2009, Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Jeffrey Feltman visited Tripoli.
Libya Celebrates 40th Anniversary: On September 1, 2009, Libya celebrated the 40th anniversary of the 1969 revolution.
USLBA Transitions Management to NFTC: The USLBA Board of Directors has transitioned management of the association to the National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC). Read the full press release here.
Obama Greets Qadhafi: On July 9, 2009, President Barack Obama became the first US president to exchange a face-to-face greeting with the Libyan leader, Colonel Moammar Qadhafi.
US Now Accepting Applications for All Non-Immigrant Visas: On March 25, 2009, the Consular section of the US Embassy in Tripoli began accepting all non-immigrant visa categories.
Passport Translation Requirement for Entry into Libya: The Libyan Government decided in 2009 to uphold a 2007 law requiring entering foreign nationals to present an official Arabic translation of the biographic page of their passports. For more information please see the announcement from the Libyan People's Bureau in Washington, DC, which includes a detailed description of the requirement and contact information for approved translators.
For more information, please email info@us-lba.org