80% of trade traffic passes through Ras Ajdir
LIBYA – Khaled Bouzaakouk, head of the Benghazi Forum for Economic Development and an economic analyst, said the Ras Ajdir crossing is the most important land outlet between western Libya and Tunisia, and a lifeline for south-eastern Tunisia. He stressed that 80% of two-way trade, goods, travel and movement passes through it.
He added that the crossing helps develop commodity and agricultural exports and the movement of people for medical treatment and tourism.
Closures and disruption since 2021
In remarks exclusively to Erem News Business, Bouzaakouk said the crossing has seen unstable periods and repeated closures since 2021 that have affected service levels, with crises intensifying in recent days.
Lengthy inspections behind the congestion
He said the congestion and heavy vehicle traffic stem, in his view, from lengthy bureaucratic procedures for thorough checks on vehicles and people to combat smuggling, including prohibited goods and foreign currency.
Scanners and specialised lanes proposed
He proposed using modern technology, such as scanners for cars, trucks and buses, to speed up inspections instead of traditional checks, as well as widening crossing lanes in both directions and dedicating one lane for private cars, another for buses and a third for trucks.
Free zone and economic recovery opportunities
Bouzaakouk said the crossing could also help develop the service economy once the nearby free-zone project is completed, stressing that putting it to good use and managing it well could help overcome the current crises, develop financial resources and achieve economic recovery in both countries.
