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Author: Albudery Shariha

Albudery Shariha having previously been a Partner at Clyde and Co. between 2012 and 2016, and previously been the General Counsel at the Libyan Investment Authority (LIA) since 2007, Albudery has nurtured an extensive network of regional and international affiliates, offering expert legal advice and professional services to the multinational corporate client and international governments’ legal counsel on a broad range of complex cross-jurisdictional matters arising under Libyan law.

Libya: FDI In Libya: The Way

Libya: FDI In Libya: The Way. We note that the Libyan government is planning to introduce many new laws over the coming few months. One of the most important of which will be the new Companies Law (the Draft Law). We have seen an early draft of this and our overall assessment is that it is good in some aspects, but in others, it is a backwards step for the country. We set out in this note an overview of the processes typically involved when developing a new law, an overview as to how other countries within the MENA region address foreign ownership and our preliminary comments on the Draft Law as it affects Foreign Direct Investment.

Proper consultation process

Whilst most of the issues under consideration by Congress are subject to a wide variety of opinions from individuals and groups across the country, it is fairly clear that almost all representatives of the Libyan people acknowledge the vital need to develop the Libyan private sector. One of the key tools for doing this is the legislative framework, and the Companies Law is the cornerstone of this. It is therefore important that a good law is drafted that strikes the right balance for the future development of the country, helping to facilitate a move away from its current economic reliance on

  • the hydrocarbon sector for income; and
  • the public sector for jobs.

In our view, this law is so critical for Libya’s future that it needs to be properly debated and researched.

It is inappropriate for a committee of unelected court notaries and lawyers to be undertaking the task of drafting this new law, as most of them have limited experience of the international business world, and they are not entrepreneurs or businessmen themselves.

A good Companies Law needs to be user friendly and must take into account the needs and requirements of both Libyan businessmen and the international investor-it should not be drafted in isolation by career civil servants and government officials who often tend to consider issues purely from an academic (rather than practical) perspective. In the UK, the process involved in developing its most recent Companies Law in 2006 took 8 years and was a collaborative process. Similarly, in places like the UAE, the new UAE Companies law has been debated for 10 years. Whilst we are not suggesting that Libya should take anything like this length of time to prepare a new Companies Law, we do think Libya should take some time to get it right, rather than trying to rush through an ill-thought-out piece of legislation that will provide a poor foundation for Libya’s future growth and development.

Protectionism vs free market

The main challenge in drafting a new Companies Law is to set the right balance about FDI. Most mainstream economists agree that protectionism is harmful in that its costs outweigh the benefits and that it impedes economic growth-consequently, protectionism harms the very people that it is supposed to be helping.

Notwithstanding what economists might say, there must clearly be some sensible limitations on FDI at this point as Libya opens its doors to the world for the first time in nearly half a century. This is needed to protect the fledgeling Libyan private sector from powerful international companies with the economic muscle, global reach and know-how to dominate a completely open market. The opinion will be divided as to where the protectionism vs free-market line should be drawn. Most commentators would agree that sensible, pragmatic rules to ensure that infant Libyan businesses will not die before they reach maturity and size to compete in the global marketplace should be considered. However, in assessing what barriers to trade Libya should introduce, legislators should not lose sight of the bigger prize of attracting foreign capital and expertise. It is of paramount importance that any new FDI rules must also encourage the international business community to work alongside Libyan businesspeople, pay Libyan taxes, invest in training and development and most importantly, hire many Libyan nationals who need to find private-sector jobs. In our view, allowing foreigners only to take a minority equity share position in a company is a major disincentive. It will result in many of these investors looking elsewhere for new markets and opportunities.

Striking the right balance between protectionism and an open market is not a unique challenge for Libya, and many other countries have had to face the same challenge in the past. Organisations such as the IMF, World Bank, United Nations and the European Union have vast experience advising on this issue. They should be encouraged to assist Libya as it emerges from so many years of isolation. We suggest that the government refers to the FDI Index prepared by the OECD to assess how various countries rate in these rankings. The OECD FDI Index gauges the restrictiveness of a country’s FDI rules.

Foreign equity limitations

These typically include:

  • screening or approval mechanisms;
  • restrictions on the employment of foreigners as key personnel; and
  • operational restrictions, e.g. restrictions on branching and on capital repatriation or on land ownership.

The OECD FDI Index is not a full measure of a country’s investment climate. A range of other factors come into play, including how FDI rules are implemented. Entry barriers can also arise for other reasons, including state ownership in key sectors. A country’s ability to attract FDI will be affected by factors such as the size of its market, the extent of its integration with neighbours and even geography. Nonetheless, FDI rules are a critical determinant of a country’s attractiveness to foreign investors. Furthermore, unlike geography, FDI rules are something over which governments have control.

What is wrong with the 51/49 rule?

The new law reverses the 65/35 rule passed just over twelve months ago in May 2012. The previous Decree No. 103 of May 2012 was a logical development of the joint venture investment law, which has been in force for several years. In our view, the changes in permitted FDI percentages are outlined first in Decree No. 207. They then carried through to the new Companies Law to curtail FDI and investment generally into the private sector.

Under the new Companies Law, it is proposed that Libyan shareholders can only issue up to 49% of a joint venture to a foreign partner (rather than 65% provided for in Decree No. 103 of 2012). In other words, foreign companies cannot ever own more than half of any company set up in Libya. A foreign investor often provides most capital required in a new enterprise. With the reduction to 49%, many Libyan start-up ventures, which foreign investors might have previously funded, will no longer be capitalised by such partners.

What are the benefits of this decision to move to a 51/49 rule?

On the face of it, new companies will be majority-owned by Libyans. In theory, this is positive for Libyan businessmen, but only if they can find a foreign shareholder that is prepared to take a minority share in what many foreign investors still consider to be a country that is subject to “political risk” and that also has a chequered history for protecting foreign investments. Clearly, granting a majority shareholding right to Libyans is no longer an advantage if the Libyan businessman can’t find an international partner to invest, or if there is significantly less capital for these majority Libyan owned companies to use to grow their business. Also, less investment and less capital mean less international expertise and experience brought into the Libyan economy.

One must not also forget that the foreign partner actually contributes capital disproportionate to their shareholding in the vast majority of joint ventures. In other words, they often fund the Libyan partner. If a foreign investor can only own 49%, then they are unlikely to invest. International companies often have internal policies about whether they can or cannot hold minority interests. Additionally, if they put most of the money into an enterprise, they will inevitably want control over how it is spent and invested. If they can’t get this comfort, then they probably won’t invest. International investors have plenty of global opportunities. They don’t have to come to Libya.

Foreign partners also often bring with them expertise, governance, controls, frameworks, strategies, new products, and services needed in Libya.

A 51/49 rule will also be detrimental to the smaller, newer, entrepreneurial and ambitious Libyan business, not the established Libyan business. Larger Libyan businesses can already afford to invest in enterprises themselves and have less need for a technical foreign partner that can also bring in capital. Young Libyan start-up businesses cannot do this and will be at a disadvantage to the current “economic elite” that already controls much of Libya’s private sector.

If the government wants to retain the 51/49 rule, perhaps it could consider what Dubai has done. In Dubai, the 51/49 rule still prevails (although there is intense speculation that this may change in the future). Given the fact that Dubai is very keen to attract FDI, a rule has been implemented that says that although the shareholding percentages must be 51/49, the JV partners can register a disproportionate dividend entitlement, effectively allowing the foreign partner, in practice, to secure an economic interest of 80%.

International trade considerations

Libya applied to join the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in 2004. The process for Libya’s accession to WTO is expected to resume shortly. Libya’s accession to the WTO will be a significant step to make Libya’s integration in the global free trade system irreversible. It is likely to transform the country’s economy and its legal system and its institutions.

Therefore, in our view, as Libya prepares to become a major player in regional and international trade, it will have to come to grips with the demanding task of adapting to WTO standards, i.e. the fair trade rules of genuine partnership on an equal footing. However, the chances that Libya’s accession to the WTO will result in an immediate gain will be quite slim as long as investor confidence remains low and barriers to entry for foreign firms are high. In addition, there will be several changes that Libya will be requested to commit to by other WTO Members upon the accession to WTO. If Libya, after acceding to WTO, continues to impose restrictions that are inconsistent with its market-access commitments, then it may be subject to WTO’s disciplinary process and may be required to adjust its laws retrospectively.

In this context, the Libyan government may consider a gradual liberalisation of restrictions on its FDI rules as part of the preparation for joining the WTO (or, generally, any bilateral or multilateral trade regime). For instance, full liberalisation (i.e. permitting 100% foreign ownership) may be allowed in certain key sectors where foreign investment and expertise is urgently needed, such as telecommunication, certain technologies, and healthcare. This is the approach that has been taken by many countries that acceded to the WTO in recent years, such as Russia, China, Central Asian countries and Saudi Arabia (see below).

Saudi Arabia model

In the MENA region, Saudi Arabia can provide an excellent example for Libya. The Kingdom started negotiating its membership in 1993. In 2000, the new Foreign Investment Act was introduced. The Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) was the body in charge of administering the Act under the guidance of the Supreme Economic Council. Several significant changes were made under the Act, which is as follows:

Certain restrictions were made against FDI under the old investment law, including the prohibition of foreigners from investing in sectors that were reserved for the government and domestic investors, such as printing and publishing services, telecommunications services, the transmission and distribution of electrical power, pipeline transmission services, education services, hospital and health services, insurance and the electric power generation. These sectors were no longer closed, and foreign investors were able to invest freely. However, there was an important caveat in that certain sectors were put on a “Negative List“. This Negative List is compiled by SAGIA and approved by the Supreme Economic Council. The Negative List is updated and revised from time to time. In 2012, that is 7 years after Saudi Arabia’s accession, there were only three industrial sectors and 13 service sectors still appearing on the Negative List. In all other sectors, 100% foreign ownership is now permitted.

To various extents, Oman, Egypt, Bahrain, and Qatar have adopted a similar approach to foreign ownership and FDI rules. In the case of the UAE, which has been a WTO member since 1996, the WTO Members have, on various occasions, urged the UAE to relax further its foreign ownership rules outside the free trade zones. So far, the UAE has resisted those calls but has promised to uphold its free-market strategy and will proceed with reviewing all existing policies to make them resilient, adaptable, and responsive to future challenges. The new draft UAE Companies Law still contains 51% local ownership and 49% foreign ownership split. Still, provision is made for Cabinet Resolutions to give exemptions for certain forms of companies, activities or classes. This may either be a full exemption or an increase of 49% foreign ownership.

In this regard, it should be noted that KSA is ranked 28th in the World Bank’s “2013 Doing Business” under the “protecting investors” criterion, whereas the UAE is ranked 128th. This indicates a higher level of investor confidence in doing business in Saudi Arabia than in the UAE. In the last few years, Saudi has moved from near the bottom to somewhere near the top. Saudi used to suffer from high levels of bureaucracy, high registration fees, protectionism and slow processes. Now they have moved right up the rankings and are trying to get into the world’s top 10 in terms of the easiest place for doing business along with the likes of Singapore. As a result of this, huge investments have been made by foreign investors worldwide, resulting in an increase in private sector activities generally and an increase in job opportunities for Saudi nationals.

We, therefore, consider that Libya should look at the progress of Saudi Arabia, not just about FDI but about the whole ease of doing business scenario. See attached document at the end of this analysis.

Saudi Arabia has moved away from its old model of limiting the percentage of foreign ownership because this was killing investment. Instead, they decided that the most important issue for the country is to get Saudis working. Saudi can no longer absorb more people into the public sector, so they have to encourage new businesses (local and foreign) to set up. Rather than focusing on shareholding percentages, they have looked at the workforce. They have introduced a rule that foreign companies can hold up to 100% of equity provided that at least 75% of staff must be Saudis and at least 51% of payroll costs must be payable to Saudi nationals. For us, this is the way that Libya should be going. It is much better for the man on the street and does not block the market for the benefit of the local oligarchs.

Additionally, even though foreigners can get up to 100% foreign ownership in Saudi Arabia, the reality is that virtually all foreign companies still go in on a joint venture basis with a Saudi partner because their business is far more likely to succeed if they do so. Moreover, foreign investment in joint ventures with Saudi partners has advantages. While foreign partners in a joint venture entity may hold 100% of the equity, there are major commercial advantages in having a local Saudi partner own 50% of the equity or more. For example, if a Saudi national holds 50% of the equity in a joint venture company, it enables the company to obtain an interest-free loan for up to 50% of the project cost, which is repayable over a period of ten years. In addition, most Saudi-owned joint ventures are entitled to preference after wholly Saudi-owned companies in the allotment of government contracts.

So, in summary, Saudi Arabia has rejected the 51/49 rule in favour of:

  • 100% foreign ownership;
  • a fairly limited negative list (in years gone by, the negative list was very extensive, but now it is much shorter);
  • The requirement for the workforce to be 75% Saudi nationals;
  • The requirement for payroll costs to be at least 51% payable to Saudis;
  • soft loans for JV companies where Saudi shareholding is 51% or more; and
  • pricing preference for bidding on government contracts where the company is at least 51% Saudi owned.

Specific comments on the Draft Law

We have limited our comments on the Draft Law to the Articles which will have the most adverse impact on FDI, namely: Article 66 (Capital, Article 256 (Foreigners Contribution to Libyan Companies), Article 257 (Foreigners Contribution to Libyan Companies), Article 258 (Foreigners Contribution to Libyan Companies), Article 259 (Foreign Companies Representation Offices and Branches) and Article 327 (Rules of Foreign Companies, Branches and Representation Offices of Foreign Companies).

Article 66 provides that the capital of a joint-stock company must not be less than LYD 1 million, provided that no less than three-tenths of the capital is deposited in a bank in Libya.

Due to Article 257 of the Draft Law, the minimum capital requirement in Article 66 applies to every foreign company wishing to enter the Libyan market through a company. The minimum capital requirement of LYD 1 million is a significant outlay for most companies (tiny and medium-sized enterprises). This will deter foreign companies establishing in Libya and, accordingly, deter foreign companies from transferring their know-how and expertise to Libya and the Libyan workforce. The combined effect is that fewer joint-stock companies operated to an international standard will be established. The Libyan workforce will not have access to international expertise and know-how.

The capital requirement could be linked to, for example, the types of activities that the joint-stock company wishes to carry out. A flexible approach of this nature would be more amenable to the international business community whilst, at the same time, allowing the competent authorities in Libya to set the right level of creditor protection and financial commitment by non-Libyan companies in respect of FDI.

Article 256 provides that foreigners may not contribute to the establishment of companies in Libya unless the following requirements are satisfied:

  • the foreign partner is a company established in accordance with the law of the country of origin;
  • the foreign partner’s experience is not less than ten years after its date of incorporation;
  • the foreign partner’s contribution is not more than 49% of the capital of the company; and
  • the activity of the company to be established with the assistance of the foreign company must focus on the execution of production or services projects as specified by the Executive Regulations.

This Article is the most important provision of the Draft Law, which affects FDI. We have set out our views on the 51/49 rule in detail above.

This article also provides that a foreign partner needs to have 10 years of experience before taking shares in a Libyan company. This can be counter-productive. Multinational companies often form special purpose companies to carry out investments in a particular country or region. We advocate a more flexible approach that takes account of how multinational companies conduct business.

Article 257 provides that foreign companies may exclusively contribute to the establishment of joint-stock companies.

There may be skills, know-how and expertise from which the Libyan workforce can benefit, but at the same time, the suppliers of such skills, know-how and expertise do not have access to the market due to the very high barriers of entry. Accordingly, a more flexible approach could be taken to strike the right balance between the protection of creditors and transparency and create a more investor-friendly environment.

Article 259 states that foreign companies may establish branches or representative offices in the State; the Executive Regulation of this Law shall specify the authority having the competence to grant the permission as well as the term and conditions for renewal thereof and the scope wherein the opening of representation offices or branches shall be permissible.

Based on the Draft Law, the only real alternative to forming a joint-stock company is the establishment of a branch. It is imperative that the Executive Regulations of the Draft Law set out a wide scope of activities that branches can carry out so that a branch set up is an investor-friendly route. In particular, the right level of prior experience and financial commitment should be set to facilitate FDI by small and medium-sized enterprises and global organisations.

Conclusion

An overview of foreign ownership rules in the MENA region

CountryMaximum foreign ownershipExemptions
KSA100%The Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGA) is authorised to issue a license for foreign capital investment in the Kingdom for any investment activity, whether permanent or temporary. The exceptions to this are activities excluded under the third article (negative list) of The Executive rules of the Foreign Investment Act. The negative list includes The industrial sector: oil exploration, drilling and production, manufacturing of military equipment, devices and uniforms and manufacturing of civilian explosives. The service sector: catering to military sectors, security and detective services, real estate investment in Mekkah and Madinah and tourist orientation and guidance services related to Hajj and Umrah. Recruitment and employment services: including local recruitment offices, real estate brokerage, printing and publishing, audiovisual and media services. Land transportation services: excluding inter-city passenger transport by trains. Services are provided by midwives, nurses, physical therapy services and quasi-doctoral services: fisheries, blood banks, poison centres and quarantines. A non-Saudi resident is eligible to become a foreign investor as per the Foreign Investment Act.
UAE49%The Draft Companies Law provides for Cabinet Resolutions to exempt certain forms of companies, activities or classes. 80% economic interest is permitted for foreign investors in Dubai LLCs. More than 38 free zones in the UAE generally permit: 100% foreign ownership of the enterprise. 100% import and export tax exemptions. 100% repatriation of capital and profits. Corporate tax exemptions for up to 50 years. No personal income taxes. Assistance with labour recruitment and additional support services, such as sponsorship and housing.
Kuwait49%Generally, foreign ownership in Kuwait is restricted to a maximum of 49%. Foreign Direct Investment Law No. 8 of 2001 allows 100% ownership (with the Foreign Capital Investment Committee) in certain industries such as Infrastructure projects, banks, information technology and software development. Road and sea transport.
Bahrain100%There are a limited number of business activities reserved by law for Bahraini and/or GCC citizens and companies only. These include Trade and retail activities, in which 51% Bahraini participation is required.
Qatar49%Foreign investors’ share may be increased to 100% of the project’s capital under a Ministerial decree within the following sectors: Agriculture, healthcare, education and tourism. Exploitation and development of natural resources, energy or mining, provided that these projects are compatible with the development plans in the State and taking into account preference of projects that achieve optimal exploitation of the available domestic raw materials. Export industries or industries that provide new products or use modern technology. Projects that take an interest in national cadres and their rehabilitation.
Oman65%65% shareholding by foreigners is only allowed if a decree is issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, on a recommendation made by the Foreign Capital Investment Committee. Approval by the Ministerial Cabinet may also be granted to allow a 100% foreign-owned business entity if the investment is in the national interest.
Tunisia49%100% foreign ownership allowed in certain sectors such as tourism infrastructure. This approval must be authorised by the Governor and High Commission of Investments.
Egypt100%There are special requirements for foreign investment in particular sectors, such as upstream oil and gas development, where joint ventures are required. Publishing daily newspapers are reserved for domestic companies. In sectors such as construction and air transportation, foreign ownership is limited to a minority stake. Labour rules prevent companies from hiring more than 10% non-Egyptians (25% in free zones), and foreigners cannot operate sole proprietorships or simple partnerships. Egypt’s trade regulations prohibit foreigners from acting as importers for trading purposes and allow them to act solely as commercial agents. A foreign company wishing to import for the trading purpose must do so through an Egyptian importer. There are still restrictions on national treatment, and some of these affect land ownership. Many areas remain, in effect, off-limits to foreign investors, e.g. the Red Sea, the Sinai and border areas.
Turkey100%Foreign ownership is unrestricted generally, with no pre-entry screening requirements in most sectors. The GOT uses “reciprocity with the related nation” as a precondition for real estate property purchases by foreigners and sets an upper limit of 2.5 hectares on real estate purchases by foreign individuals. There is no limit on the amount of land purchased by a company, provided that the land is used for the business activities of the firm. No individual may own more than 10% of the land in any given development zone. Equity participation of foreign shareholders is restricted to 25% in broadcasting, and 49% in the aviation and maritime transportation sectors Establishment in financial services, including banking and insurance, and in the petroleum sector requires special permission from the GOT for both domestic and foreign investors.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.   17 July 2013 by Albudery Shariah and Leopold Zentner Clyde & Co    

FDI laws in Libya: a stark reminder of the fluidity of the legal and practical landscape

FDI laws in Libya, In short, Decree 207 states that non-Libyans can only hold up to 49% in a company in Libya. However, the Investment Law provides that under certain circumstances (e.g. value of project etc.), non-Libyans can own up to 100% of a Libyan company. In the past, it was obvious that the Privatisation & Investment Board (PIB) is primarily responsible for applications under the Investment Law. In contrast, the Ministry of Economy (MOE) is primarily responsible for applications not made according to the Investment Law.

In post-revolution Libya, this line has been blurred, and, in short, the MOE is now exercising more control over the PIB. As a result, the PIB has been instructed to apply the foreign ownership restrictions set out in Decree 207 when considering the application of the Investment Law.

This has a major impact on companies wishing to invest in Libya. This reduces the attractiveness of pursuing inward investment through the Investment Law (a law designed to facilitate investment). We do not expect this practice to continue in the medium / long term, but it is a stark reminder about the importance of keeping abreast of developments in Libya.

In other and more positive developments, as a matter of practice (and not as a matter of law), the restrictions on the minimum number of shareholders that a Joint Stock Company requires and their maximum percentage shareholding (previously at 10% per person) has now been lifted, which makes market entry into Libya via a Joint Stock Company more appealing and less burdensome.

Alternative Routes for Libyan State to Fund Investment Projects

Alternative Routes for Libyan State to Fund Investment Projects, as an emerging market, requires development across several sectors to encourage participation from its nascent private sector.

To entice private entities to engage in projects, the State must grant a form of security. International private investors are reluctant to invest in “high risk” countries such as Libya, predominantly due to a lack of financial security for their investments.

Furthermore, investors do not think only about their businesses in the immediate term but also the situation they may be put in if the project comes to a halt in the long term. Consequently, if Libya wishes to encourage investment in it, as a country, it needs to put in place a scheme that protects investors in exchange for entering an unstable market. This protection may come in the form of guarantees.

Libya must undergo development on many fronts at once requires the creation of alternative options to finance such projects through investor involvement in the market. This requires establishing a form of guarantee that is compliant with the current existing laws and bears in mind that the environment investors are operating in is far from certain.

Objective

The purpose of this paper is to introduce to the Libyan State the alternative routes that it may consider to finance and secure investment projects. We hope this will assist the Libyan State is using its financial resources on short- and medium-term projects, opting to involve private investors in its various long-term projects such as Public-Private Partnerships.

Private financing requires assurance from the government that payments are guaranteed and are not subject to any restrictions that may come in the way of the performance of such payment. This alternative route is the use of the Guarantee Fund as a form of security.

Guarantee Fund Definition

Government Guarantees are a formal method of assurance to investors that affirm that payments are to be immediately in effect and have a strong legal basis. They grant credibility to investors that their funds are guaranteed and under their control once they fulfil their obligations as per the contract. Equally, if any issues arise that makes the investor entitled to financial compensation due to the first party’s liability (public entity), no delay in payment is possible under such a method. This method enhances the private investor’s confidence in undertaking its projects as payments are guaranteed.

According to the World Bank, a Guarantee Fund is defined as “liquid assets that can be rapidly mobilized if a contingent liability is realized. The fund would have its own balance sheet, be removed from the annual budget cycle, and benefit from independent governance.”

The Libyan State must create the Guarantee Fund to manage risks better than they have faced in the past. Such risks involve political issues and/or delay or lack of payment of dues from the government. This history of lack of timely payment by the Libyan State has led to the requirement of initiating alternative routes to encourage the involvement of private investors.

The Fund Guarantee Diagram 1.1

Alternative Routes for Libyan State to Fund Investment Projects
Alternative Routes for Libyan State to Fund Investment Projects 3
  1. The Libyan State injects an amount in a trust, to which it is named as a beneficiary.
  2. The Libyan State remains as a beneficiary for the period specified- that is usually between ten to twenty years.
  3. The Trust is managed by a number of chosen banks. The banks that are chosen to operate and cover their own costs – they act as custodians or trustees. The banks tend to use leverage to cover their own costs, this is through borrowing funds and buying assets that are expected to return more than the money borrowed and used to buy the assets. This way the bank can cover their costs.
  4. The fact that the Trust is managed by the banks grants the Libyan State the benefit of the use of the banks resources to assist it in various aspects including carrying out due diligence exercises, compliance, allows for project quality, reduces costs as investors undergo a review by the bank, and increases transparency.
  5. The banks will closely monitor investors as they will be concerned about their reputation. Furthermore, there will be no political risks involved as the fund is managed outside of Libya. Note that Libya, in the Country Risk Report, has a score of 7/7 which is very high risk.

It is suggested that independent trustees are used as an alternative to bank trusts as an alternative to the option above. Various independent trustees manage the fund to ensure performance outside the banking problems/issues. This particular aspect will require further research into the tax regime applicable to find the option that is most suitable financially in terms of tax implications.

Experience Across Countries

Several countries have put into effect the usage of Fund Guarantees. These include Indonesia, Sweden and Greece. The most relevant experience in Indonesia, as it has similar issues to Libya in land and construction.

Current Issues in Libya

To develop the various sectors that need development in Libya, several issues need to be addressed. There are two types of risks involved in the current Libyan market.

  1. Commercial/Credit Risks; and
  2. Political Risks

The first type has been resolved through a bank guarantee; the latter may be resolved through either a Sovereign Guarantee or a Guarantee Fund. Under the current Libyan Laws, the option which refers to the Sovereign Guarantee is not an option. As the Libya Public Credit Law, No 15 of 1986 (in its first provision) does not allow the Libyan State to grant any forms of Guarantees that involve State assets.

It may be viewed that a change in the law is necessary to allow for such a guarantee, similar to the case of other countries that allow for this option – but this is not enough considering the history of the Libyan state and payment delays.

The lack of confidence and trust amongst private investors towards the Libyan Government or State makes the sovereign wealth fund the least favoured option. There are various Risks involved; such risks include but are not limited to the following:

  1. License /Permit Approvals.
  2. Changes in law which affect costs.
  3. Competition i.e., where similar facilities are built which eventually compete with the delivery of the agreed services.
  4. Investors actions influencing the demands for the project’s services.
  5. Pricing risk that occurs due to unilateral changes in tariff.
  6. Risk of expropriation.
  7. Risk on revenue/profit from the project which could not be converted to the foreign currency or transferred to the investor’s home country.
  8. Risk of Force Majeure.
  9. Risk of the method of delivery.

The Libyan State must look into alternative options, following the Indonesian example – being a country dealing with similar issues; Libya is encouraged to create the following supporting means:

  1. Land Fund;
  2. Infrastructure Fund; and
  3. Guarantee Fund

Diagram 1.2 the required Supporting Institutions to encourage Investors

Alternative Routes for Libyan State to Fund Investment Projects
Alternative Routes for Libyan State to Fund Investment Projects 4

**Source of this Diagram:  IIGF Indonesia Infrastructure Guarantee Fund, The Role of IIGF in supporting bankable PPP Projects in Indonesia

Land Fund

An amount of cash is allocated for land issues that require immediate attention before the project’s initiation, during or after the completion of the project. Given the problems in Libya regarding land, it is necessary to create this fund to bring back confidence within the investor community to start projects in Libya.

Note that in Libya, since the 1970s, the issues of housing include the one-family principle, which means that each Libyan family is entitled to one house. The rest are granted to occupying it (through lease). Ownership and land titles have been in a chaotic state.

Land in Libya carries a risk of being revoked by the actual owner, and as such, various lands are subject to dispute. Having no proper records of such titles due to the destruction of such documents during the previous regime makes such issues even more complicated. To avoid pulling back from investors interested, there is a need to protect the land, which may be subject to a dispute later on.

The Land Fund will act as security to the investor; to provide clarity on land issues that the investor may face during any of the stages of its project. This will put necessary confidence in the private investors to start projects without being concerned about the land after having done the required due diligence, as they are covered in case a dispute arises.

Infrastructure Fund

This is similar to the land fund, except it is tailored to the needs of infrastructure projects. It is a pool of cash allocated to resolve issues that may arise prior, during, or after the project is completed. The need for various infrastructure projects in Libya, such as water, power, transportation, and waste, among other needs within the Libyan State. The funding of all these projects at once will constrain the government’s balance sheet and prevent it from doing its other important tasks. The allocation of funds as a form of security to the investors will allow the private investors to undertake such projects at their own costs, knowing that if an issue arises, they are financially covered.

Guarantee Fund

This is a form of security that is activated in case any form of liability arises. This type is held in the form of Trust. The bank holds the Trust for the benefit of the Libyan State. The investor can use it if any form of financial liability arises once the investor is offered guarantees that if any liability arises that appropriate funds are allocated to resolve it, they are more likely to accept entering a market considered high risk.

Under the current Libyan Laws, the concept of Trust is not dealt with at all. There are various contradictions in applying the trusts about individuals but not about the Libyan state. The concept of trusts is not widely understood in Libya; its implementation is not considered. The concept needs to be introduced and its relevance brought under the spotlight. In Libya, fund guarantees may be used as a form of security to support government PPP initiatives. Without such guarantees, the possibility of PP projects becomes slim.

Various fund guarantees may be used in Libya, including Finance Guarantees and Contractual Guarantees. The first type is geared toward the lenders, whereas the second type is geared toward the investors to encourage them to undertake the project.

Conclusion/ Recommendation

  1. Master plan.
  2. Intention of Government.
  3. PPP Guideline/platform/legal framework.
  4. A need for a Guarantee Fund/Land Fund.
  5. Pilot project.
  6. Legally Guaranteed Fund could be much better than re-arranging the law.

NPWJ organises a trial monitoring capacity building for Libyan lawyers

NPWJ, Libyan lawyers, Participants included three Libyan lawyers, who have been appointed to set out a training network on monitoring trial in Libya: Mr Ahmed Al Amari Abukba Hammadi, lawyer, founder and current chairman of the NGO ‘Libyan group to monitor human rights violations’; Mr Abdul Ginbij, lawyer and head of the Tripoli Bar Association; and Mr Albudery Shariha, lawyer and legal advisor for several institutions, including the Economic & Social Development Fund Tripoli and the National Economic Strategy (NES) & Academic Career.

The trial monitoring capacity building was structured as a field visit with different sessions and meetings held in Brussels and The Hague on 4-7 March 2013. On 4-5 March 2013, NPWJ facilitated meetings in Brussels with members of the Sub-Committee of Human Rights of the European Parliament and the Libya Desk at the European External Action Service (EEAS). The Libyan lawyers also attended the NGO segment of the Council of the European Union Working Group devoted to the ICC (COJUR-ICC) as well as a roundtable discussion with H.E. Tiina Intelmann, Ambassador-at-large and President of the Assembly of States Parties of the International Criminal Court, and INGO representatives, hosted at the CICC office in Brussels. These meetings provided the opportunity for the Libyan delegation to provide useful insights about the human rights situation as well as the accountability and criminal justice challenges faced by the legal community in Libya, also in respect of current legislative initiatives (such as the draft law on Transitional Justice and the Amnesty Law).

On 6 March, NPWJ organised, in cooperation with the Open Society Justice Initiative (OSJI), the International Bar Association (IBA) and the Coalition for the International Criminal Court (CICC), a Trial Monitoring training in The Hague. The training consisted of several sessions conducted by international experts who provided background information on trial monitoring and its fundamental principles, focusing in particular on issues related to fair trial rules in the context of relevant international standards, the role of media and civil society in trial monitoring processes, as well as lessons-learned based on past transitional justice experiences, namely of Nigeria and Sierra Leone among others. On 7 March, the Libyan delegation concluded their training with a meeting at the International Criminal Court, in the presence of Fadi El-Abdallah, ICC spokesperson, Jennifer Science, International Cooperation Advisor, Fiona McKay, Head of Victims Participation and Reparation Section (VPRS), Juliet Adyel, Associate Legal Officer of the Counsel Support Section, Xavier-Jean Keïta, Principal Counsel of the Office of the Public Counsel for the Defence, and Paolina Massidda, Principal Counsel of the Office of Public Counsel for Victims.

NPWJ project to support Libya’s democratic transition through justice and accountability
NPWJ has been working on the Libyan transition since early 2011, in the framework of its program entitled “Supporting Libya’s Democratic Transition through Justice and Accountability”. As the country embarks on legislative reforms, the Libyan authorities can break with the legacy of impunity and abuses that typified Gaddafi’s rule with a new respect for the rule of law and a commitment to restoring justice and dignity to victims. Doing so requires the investigation and prosecution of the crimes and violence perpetrated during the revolution and efforts to confront a history of oppression and human rights abuses that dates back decades under the rule of the former regime.

On the civil society side, the NPWJ program objective is to help build and reinforce the capacity of Libyan actors to play their role in incorporating accountability, human rights and the rule of law in the democracy transition and post-conflict reconstruction of their country. A series of specific colloquia held across the country have also been designed to assist Libyan legal actors (lawyers, judges, prosecutors and law students) and the Libyan Ministry of Justice with their transitional justice work, including the investigation and prosecution of crimes under international law and massive human rights violations. NPWJ has also held a series of meetings and workshops with civil society and government representatives in Benghazi, Misurata, Tripoli and Sabha to generate discussion on the needs and perceptions within Libya about its transitional justice process, also to develop ways to reach out to victims and the broader community on these issues.

Source: Brussels and The Hague, 4-7 March 2013

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