Libya on Recovery Path but Faces Long Rebuilding Effort

Libya faces urgent, costly task of rebuilding its economy

Improved institutions, management of resources to help unleash potential

IMF remains committed to helping Libya through capacity building

With the lifting of most United Nations sanctions, the bulk of frozen assets abroad have been released and normalization of the banking system is under way.

But, in an interview, the head of the IMF’s team on Libya, mission chief Ralph Chami, said the North African country faces many immediate and longer-term challenges that need to be addressed. He added: “Libya could realize its great potential if the right institutions and policies are put in place.”

A staff team from the IMF’s Middle-East and Central Asia Department, led by Chami, prepared a report entitled “Libya beyond the Revolution: Challenges and Opportunities”. Speaking to IMF Survey—the IMF’s online magazine—Chami discusses recent developments and looks at what it will take for the Libyan government to overcome the steep challenges ahead, rebuild the economy, and address the people’s aspirations.

IMF Survey online: How is Libya faring after the revolution? Is the economy getting back on its feet?

Chami: The conflict had a severe impact on the economy and especially on the hydrocarbon sector, which is the main source of public revenues and foreign exchange. During the uprising, oil production dropped precipitously from 1.8 million barrels a day to only 22,000 in July of 2011. Since the conflict ended, the production of oil has recuperated faster than expected.

Reconstruction efforts should boost nonhydrocarbon output in the coming years. In addition, the assets that were frozen during the revolution have been largely unfrozen as most UN sanctions were lifted. So there is no longer a shortage of foreign exchange, and normal imports have resumed.

IMF Survey online: What are the challenges facing the Libyan economy in the near term?

Chami: In the short term, the country faces complex and costly tasks. Coming out of the conflict, Libya needs to rebuild infrastructure and address the humanitarian needs of its people. There is a need to restore the functioning of the banking system and to consider medium-term implications when making decisions about public spending. Safety and security are also important because these would facilitate investment and the return of expatriate workers. Many well-educated Libyans live abroad and, as in other Arab Spring countries, the diaspora could...