Officials discussed a Malaysian-products exhibition in Libya, business travel and participation in the 2027 Tripoli International Fair. Malaysian exports to Libya rose 73.4% in the first eight months of 2026.
In Kuala Lumpur, Essam Al-Aoul, head of Libya's General Authority for Exhibitions and Conferences, and Norshahrin bin Hamidun, head of the Malaysian Chamber of Commerce, agreed to organize an exhibition of Malaysian products in Libya. The plan would give Malaysian companies a way to present their goods and capabilities to the Libyan market.
The meeting took place alongside Libya's participation in MIHAS 2026, the Malaysia International Halal Showcase. Libya's national pavilion opened on 23 September. The exhibition ran from 23 to 26 September, as Ahram Online reported. Al-Aoul told Bernama that Libya took part to strengthen bilateral trade, learn from Malaysia's halal expertise, including JAKIM's certification experience, and promote Libyan goods internationally.
MIHAS is billed as the world's largest halal trade exhibition. It covers 14 sectors, including food, pharmaceuticals, Islamic finance, modest fashion and Muslim-friendly tourism. Organizers projected more than 50,000 visitors from 45 countries, around 1,700 companies and approximately 2,000 exhibition stands. The event's sourcing programme was also set to connect international buyers with Malaysian exporters. The scale was substantial. Al-Aoul called the event a chance to take lessons back to Libya and develop the country's role as a gateway to African markets, according to Bernama.
The trade figures offer a clear backdrop. Citing Malaysia's trade agency MATRADE, Bernama Business reported that Malaysian exports to Libya rose 73.4% year on year to 106.5 million ringgit in the first eight months of 2026. Exports included machinery and equipment, chemical products, palm oil and palm-oil-based products. Al-Aoul said Malaysian goods were already available and well regarded in Libya. The proposed exhibition could build on existing trade.
The talks also covered cooperation between business communities in trade, investment, exhibitions and conferences. Al-Aoul invited Malaysian companies to the Tripoli International Fair 2027. Bin Hamidun welcomed the invitation and confirmed that Malaysian companies would participate. These are agreed initiatives, not proof that new trade contracts or investments have been secured. Their impact will depend on whether the events lead to lasting business contacts and partnerships.
Al-Aoul said the ministry was working to make travel between the countries easier for businesspeople, investors and traders. He also said Malaysian citizens had been exempted from visa requirements under the principle of reciprocity. The measure is intended to simplify entry and support more direct business contact. That remains to be tested. Al-Aoul's statement describes the position presented by the Libyan official. The exhibition agreement does not establish the scope or implementation of visa arrangements.
Libya has two commercial aims: improve access to Malaysian products and expertise, and promote Libyan companies abroad through trade events. The export figures show growth. They do not, on their own, prove balanced trade or new investment. The planned exhibition, business-travel measures and Malaysian participation at the 2027 Tripoli fair will test whether the discussions produce durable economic links.
