BOTH Libya and Singapore are looking into ways to build upon growing ties, especially in trade and economic development.

The issue was discussed yesterday when Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, who is visiting Tripoli, met Dr Saif Al-Islam, president of the Gaddafi International Charity and Development Foundation.

Dr Saif Al-Islam is the son of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. The meeting took place in the morning at Dr Saif Al-Islam's residence, Mr Goh's press secretary said in a statement yesterday. Mr Goh last met Dr Saif Al-Islam during his visit to Libya in May last year.

The Senior Minister is in Libya to attend the 40th anniversary celebrations of the Great Al Fateh Revolution, the country's National Day.

Mr Goh, during the meeting yesterday, welcomed the significant expansion in economic ties between Libya and Singapore since diplomatic ties were established in 2006, his press secretary said.

Both men discussed how bilateral collaboration could be deepened and Dr Saif Al-Islam welcomed greater participation by Singaporean companies in Libya's economic development.

Bilateral trade between Singapore and Libya has grown from $93 million in 2007 to $406 million last year. Singaporean companies have also secured more than $2 billion in projects in Libya's construction, water infrastructure and capability development sectors.

The two countries have also set up a Joint Working Group to promote bilateral cooperation, signed an Investment Guarantee Agreement and the Avoidance of Double Taxation Convention.

Yesterday, Mr Goh also used his meeting with Dr Saif Al-Islam to congratulate Libya on its anniversary celebrations.

Later in the day, the Senior Minister was scheduled to attend a military parade followed by an official dinner hosted by Mr Gaddafi.

Several world leaders, including many from the Arab world and Africa, are attending the Libyan celebrations, which also include an air show, fireworks and a song and light performance with dancers depicting Libya's history.

Tripoli's streets have been decked with thousands of multi-coloured lights and hundreds of Gaddafi portraits and placards paying tribute to the leader, who came to power following a bloodless coup against the monarchy in 1969.

Mr Goh, who is accompanied by Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry and Education S. Iswaran, is scheduled to leave Libya today.

-end of ST article