Turkey's economy minister says Turkish companies will take part in privatization bids in Libya

TRIPOLI/ISTANBUL (A.A) - November 3, 2011 - Turkey's economy minister said on Wednesday that Turkish companies would take part in privatization of airports and ports in Libya. Zafer Caglayan said Turkish Airlines (THY) would train Libyan executives on technical issues, and Turkish companies would undertake airport and port privatization projects in Libya. "Also, Libya expects (Turkish) TAV (airport management company) to build an airport in Misurata," Caglayan told reporters during his visit to Tripoli, Libya. Caglayan said Libya had 170 billion USD deposited in other countries, and those countries should give back that money to Libyan people and state. Turkey would extend technical support to Libya, and Libya would send some of its personnel to Libya for training, Caglayan said. Caglayan said THY was planning to raise its flights to Benghazi and Tripoli to 14 a week, and start flying to Misurata. The minister said two countries were also planning to launch Tripoli-Izmir flights, adding that Turkey and Libya would be in an effort to strengthen the capital structure of Arab-Turkish bank. Turkey will repair schools, police stations and health centers in some cities, and construct three 24-classroom schools.