Libya is in the process of change.  A privatisation programme of its commercial banks is well advanced and Libya is positioning itself as a North-African hub for commerce to and from Europe.   Work on a new one billion euro airport (which will be able to welcome 20 million travellers per year) for the capital Tripoli is well advanced.  The indications are clear – Libya is looking for business opportunities beyond oil and gas.  As the country has no external debt, many of these opportunities are likely to be inbound. 

Bernd Ratzke was the lead legal adviser to the Central Bank of Libya on the privatisations of Sahara Bank and of Wahda Bank and led a Dawsons team for Banco Espirito Santo of Portugal on its purchase of a strategic investment in Aman Bank. 

Our people have developed excellent relationships in Tripoli and have got to know and trust local lawyers with whom Dawsons will partner to structure, execute and close our clients' investments or joint ventures.  English law is an acceptable choice of law to regulate many transactions involving Libyan parties or assets.  It provides the benefit of established disputes resolution mechanisms should the need arise.

Dawsons are working with UKTI on its promotion of opportunities for British corporates in Libya.