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Tripoli, 23 April:
Libyan firms fear they are being squeezed out of projects worth millions of dinars by foreign contractors, some of whom, . . .[restrict]it is alleged, are operating here illegally.
One Libyan business, the Architectural Company for Aluminium and Glass Works Ltd (ACAGW), has filed a complaint with the Prime Minister’s office and the Ministries of Industry and Economy, alleging that local firms are being discriminated against in favour of outside contractors.
ACAGW maintains that state-run organisations should be looking first to sign contracts with Libyan firms that have the specialisations that will allow them to undertake projects. The company also alleges that state concerns have been making deals with foreign companies that are not properly authorised to operate here.
It argues that greater transparency is necessary in the letting of contracts, through wider advertisement of Requests for Proposals and that thereafter, priority should be given to to local businesses that are eminently qualified to undertake the work.
ACAGW further demands that those foreign concerns that are authorised to be operating in Libya should be warned that they must not hire foreign subcontractors who are working here illegally.
ACAGW has protested that “fair and honest competition” is all the more necessary at this time, when existing Libyan companies need support and encouragement to re-establish themselves and start-ups are looking for commercial opportunities to grow. [/restrict]
