TRIPOLI, May 14 (Xinhua) -- Libya's General Authority for Communications and Information on Sunday said that Chinese companies are strategic partners to develop the telecommunications sector in Libya.
The comments came during a workshop organized by the Authority in the capital Tripoli, titled "Postal Addressing: Necessity or Accessory."
The one-day workshop discussed a project to facilitate electronic connectivity and services.
"The Chinese companies are strategic partners for the development of the telecommunications sector in Libya," Adel Ehmedat, director of the Organization Department of the Authority, told Xinhua.
"They provide a great addition and service to the Libyan telecommunications sector, in terms of development of networks of telephone, mobile and fixed-line billing systems, as well as technical support of training and provision of spare parts for communication stations," Ehmedat said.
"We are talking about China's telecoms companies Huawei and ZTE. They have provided their services in the most difficult circumstances and have been with us most of the time. We are very grateful and look forward to further cooperation with the two companies," Ehmedat added.
Most foreign companies left Libya due to security deterioration following the overthrow of former leader Gaddafi's regime in 2011, when most development projects of electricity, water and housing were suspended.
Despite such problems, Chinese telecommunication companies remained in Libya and continued to operate despite the obstacles they face, making them the only foreign companies operating in the country in time of political division and economic decline.
The state-owned Libya Telecom and Technology Company (LTT) launched earlier this year the first phase of the 4G high-speed Internet service, implemented by the Chinese Huawei.
The first phase of the project was launched in six Libyan cities, including Tripoli and Benghazi.
The Libyan official spoke highly of the importance of the fiber optic project by the Chinese companies and seeking study chances for resuming the rest of the project.
"Libya has a fiber optic network of more than 12 thousand km. The first phase was completed in 2012, but then stopped. Now, the project is being studied with Chinese companies and we seek resuming and completing the remaining stages of the project," He added.
Ehmedat confirmed that future development of telecom sector with Chinese companies has promising and important opportunities.
