Trade exchange between Libya and Turkey has grown 65% during the first half of 2021, estimated at 1.3 billion dollars, says the Head of the Turkish-Libyan Business Council, Morteza Karanfil, revealing plans to boost the size of trade to two billion dollars by the end of the year.

Karanfil -who is visiting Misrata- has also confirmed that they have tied up with Misrata Port to operate cruises between Misrata and Turkish, Izmir after a hiatus of nearly 40 years.

Currently, the cruise lines will be offering two trips a month as an initial step with plans to increase the number of cruises and destinations shortly, according to Karanfil.

"Everyone in Misrata is excited about the project and is waiting for the start of cruise lines... I urge all officials to take steps to cancel the entry visas as Turkey and Libya have become maritime neighbours after signing the Maritime Boundary Treaty," Karanfil added.

According to the Turkish official, the project has been implemented in partnership between the Turkish Karanfil Group and Libya's Kevalay Travel and Tourism Company, in addition to the Libyan Iron and Steel Company.

The two-day cruise between Misrata and Izmer involves two passenger ships, with a capacity of 1200 to 700 travelers, 400 beds, and around 500 cars.

Above the cruise industry, Karanfil noted that he had agreed with officials in Misrata to further develop economic relations by exploring new mutually beneficial opportunities with the industrial zone of Turkish Konya.