An official UAE trade exhibition catering only to UAE-based companies will be held in Libya in October.

The UAE in Libya exhibition has received a huge response after its initial announcement in June, says a spokesman for the organiser. Launched in response to the wealth of commercial opportunities in the Arab world's newest market, the exhibition will be held at the Tripoli International Exhibition Centre over four days from October 16.

The exhibition is organised and held under the patronage of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), Dubai Ports Authority (DPA) and Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (Jafza).

Abdul Rahman Al Mutaiwee, director general, DCCI, said the Libyan Government is moving full steam ahead as it opens its economy up for business.

"With a primary focus on oil and gas, air transport, ports and shipping, water and electricity, telecommunications, manufacturing, construction, tourism, banking, railways, agriculture, fishing and food and basic consumer items, UAE companies have a vast range of sectors that can be taken advantage of," he said.

Sultan Bin Sulayem, chairman of Jafza and managing director of DPA, said that Libya is one of the most promising and exciting markets in the region. Its remarkable geography, neighbouring Egypt, Sudan, Algeria, Tunisia, Chad and Nigeria offers great potential for developing trade links between Arab countries and the continent of Africa.

The exhibition has attracted around 300 inquiries from all sectors of the business community, and is the first official event of its kind since the lifting of sanctions on Libya, giving the UAE-based companies the opportunity to meet directly with Libyan authorities and the local business community, says the organiser.