The main border crossing between Libya and Tunisia reportedly reopened on the evening of 28 September after being closed for several days over security worries.

A new Maltese consulate is to open in Misrata, reflecting the greater importance attached to the city after 2011.

The main Tunisian-Libyan border remained closed to most traffic on 26 September, two days after an apparent carjacking risked escalating into a more serious clash.

The value of bilateral trade between the two countries surpassed pre-war levels last year, with 2013 set to be even higher.

On a recent visit to Moscow, foreign minister Mohamed Abdulaziz was quoted as saying that Libya was keen to revive business and defence ties between the two countries.

China's new ambassador to Libya recently presented his credentials to foreign affairs minister Mohamed Abdelaziz, who urged Chinese firms to return to the country.

The value of French exports to Libya more than doubled year-on-year in the first six months of 2013, with aircraft sales accounting for more than half the total.

The value of Turkish exports to Libya jumped again in the second quarter to reach $825m (LD660m), and looks set to reach a new record high in 2013.

The Libyan government has ordered the closure of the border crossing with Egypt at Msaad, although goods will be permitted to enter Libya.

Trade between the two countries has continued its post-conflict recovery so far this year, with Italian exports rising 38% year-on-year in the first three months of 2013.

The Libyan Export Promotion Centre (LEPC) has agreed a three-year plan with its Moroccan counterpart to support the growth of Libya's non-oil exports.

The value of Morocccan exports to Libya has soared to record levels since 2011, with a new freight route set to boost trade even more.

The Libyan Export Promotion Center (LEPC) has invited firms to be included in a new directory of Libyan exporters.

Trade figures were up strongly in the first half of the year, despite frequent problems at the Ras Jedir border crossing.

The group is in the process of reviewing the site selected for the proposed free-trade zone, one of several in planning across the country.