Libya’s Julyana Free Zone Hosts Maltese Deputy PM to Discuss Port and Logistics Cooperation

Libya’s Julyana Free Zone announced on Tuesday that its Director General, Captain Ahmed Al-Omami, welcomed a high-level delegation from the Maltese government. The delegation was led by Malta’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for the Economy.

According to a statement from the Free Zone, the visit was aimed at strengthening economic ties and expanding the horizons of international cooperation, particularly in the port and logistics sectors.

Presentation and Field Tour

During the meeting, the Maltese delegation viewed a presentation highlighting key ongoing development projects within the port, as well as the comprehensive modernisation and upgrades carried out across its facilities.

The delegation also conducted a field tour to assess the port’s infrastructure, operational capabilities, and logistics services. The tour underscored the port’s status as a pivotal hub in the Mediterranean region, according to the Free Zone.

Delegation’s Reaction and Future Cooperation

The Free Zone reported that members of the delegation expressed their admiration for the progress achieved at the Julyana Free Zone port. They voiced a desire to open new avenues of cooperation and boost trade between Libya and Malta, thereby supporting the economic interests of both nations.

The Free Zone said the visit reflects a commitment to deepening economic and commercial ties between the two countries. It also highlights the port’s strategic location, capabilities, and logistics services — assets that position it to play an active role in maritime trade and transport.

Strategic Vision for Benghazi

The Free Zone stated that it continues to advance its standing on the map of Mediterranean ports and economic zones. This progress is driven by an ambitious vision to establish Benghazi as a gateway for trade, investment, and international economic connectivity.

Malta’s Freeport in Context

For context, Malta’s Freeport, located in Marsaxlokk, ranks 66th in the world, 12th in Europe, and 3rd in the Mediterranean as a container and transshipment hub. It handles approximately 2.86 to over 3 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) annually. Over 95 to 96 percent of its container traffic is pure transshipment cargo, connecting more than 135 ports worldwide. The facility features deep-water quays with depths of up to 17 metres, capable of accommodating ultra-large container vessels and mega-ships.