RIBA ‘Wish you were here’ International Business Conference for 2013

In 2012 the RIBA and UK Trade & Investment brought together a group of industry experts to deliver the first 'Work Internationally' Conference. This aimed to help UK-based architects to understand the benefits of working internationally as a mechanism to develop and grow their business.

For 2013 we propose to develop this theme further by considering where in the world you should look for business opportunities and learn how to take advantage of them. The 2013 conference will take place on 8 March 2013 at the RIBA Headquarters in London. 

More information on the 2013 conference|

RIBA Trade Mission to Libya Spring 2013

Are you interested in exploring an exciting new opportunity to develop productive long term relationships in a new emerging economy with significant growth potential?

The Libyan economy is set to grow exponentially and will consequently provide significant opportunities for UK businesses, with huge potential for development within the construction sector. The RIBA is therefore inviting you to join its Trade Mission to Tripoli in the spring of 2013, (March 24 - 28).

Background

The Libyan economy is expected to recover rapidly from 2010 - 2011 levels, with annual GDP growth projected to be 13.7% during 2012-2016. GDP contracted by 27.9% in 2011 but there is a growth rebound of 28.8% expected in 2012.

The UK government is strongly supporting the development of long-term relationships with Libya, both at the ministerial level and through an increased range of products from UK Export Finance. Moreover Libya holds the largest proven oil reserves on the African continent, and production has made a substantial recovery since the fall of the Gaddafi regime

Opportunity

The newly-elected General National Congress (GNC) has powers to announce strategic plans for Libya's economic future and to release budgets for public sector spending to modernise the infrastructure sector. There is a significant volume of project 'on hold' and ambitious plans to redevelop the country. It is anticipated that this in turn will stimulate private sector growth on an unprecedented scale. The RIBA believes there are significant opportunities for UK Architects to work in collaboration with local partners to shape this future development.

The Offer

The mission is aimed at reintroducing UK architecture into the market, to work in close collaboration with local practices, the emerging Libyan Institute of Architects (LIA), government and others to establish the partnerships that will take the country forward.

The RIBA is working closely with the UK government and local contacts to arrange a secure and inclusive program enabling practices of all types to benefit from the strong reputation we enjoy within in the country. We therefore invite you to register for this RIBA Trade Mission to Libya which we believe is an unparalleled mechanism for assessing the market and gaining direct access to decision makers and commercial leaders as well as meeting potential clients and business partners.

Particular opportunities exist for those working on housing, sustainable or low carbon building, transport infrastructure, hotels, city planning, cultural venues, and others. Furthermore we would welcome practices willing to participate in a knowledge exchange conference discussing with Libyan industry professionals the reconstruction challenges ahead.

This visit is supported by the RIBA and with financial backing from UKTI, therefore we anticipate the overall package price will be kept down to £1,886 per delegate*. This will include economy class return direct flights (with British Airways) to Tripoli, bed and breakfast accommodation within a 5 star city center hotel, service charges, visas, local transport, security, introductions, a full visit, networking and conference program.

To register your interest in joining this mission, please contact our Mission Managers, Lyndsay Snowdon, CT Group Travel:

Email: lyndsay@ctgrouptravel.co.uk|

Tel: +44 (0)1892 673435
Fax: +44 (0)1892 673436

Address: Units 8 & 9, Orchard Business Centre, North Farm Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3XF

For more information please contact Marcus Deeley - Head of International RIBA

Email: marcus.deeley@riba.org|

Tel: 020 7307 3683

*Subject to eligibility please ask for details

Travel Package

British Airways

Sun 24 March BA 898 Heathrow/Tripoli 0855/1325

Thu 28 March BA 899 Tripoli/Heathrow 1450/1740

24 - 28 March 4 nights at Corinthia Hotel Tripoli

Total Package Cost £1,886 per person to include:

• economy class air travel utilising the services of British Airways
• all ticketable airport taxes
• four nights accommodation at the Corinthia Hotel inclusive of service & tax
• buffet breakfast daily in the La Valette Restaurant
• complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the Hotel
• visa costs (for eligible delegates)
• in country security including airport transfer collection and drop off
• pre-arranged briefing, meeting programme & conference (details TBC)
• secure group travel within Tripoli
• RIBA support staff.

Hotel accommodation

Tripoli – Corinthia Hotel

The 5-star Corinthia Hotel is located in the hub of the central business district, 35 km from Tripoli Airport and is considered to be the most secure hotel in town with four different security systems in place. The 299 rooms all overlook the sea are air-conditioned and have satellite TV, a tea/coffee maker and work desk with complimentary internet, a mini-bar, safe and hair dryer. The Hotel has a fitness centre with steam room and whirlpool and indoor and outdoor swimming pools. Other facilities include a business centre, 24-hour room service, three restaurants and a coffee shop.

Visa requirements

A visa is required to enter Libya. The RIBA's travel managers CT Groups are pleased to offer all Mission Members obtaining their visas a full visa service including the letter of invitation/authorisation number for a business visa, liaison with the immigration authorities in Tripoli, passport lodge and collect service and the return of your passport by secure post with costs as follows:

Please note for eligible delegates joining the mission and using the travel package all visa costs are included (non-UK passport holders may be charged visa fees).

Step One – Visa Approval Code

Upon receipt of our completed 'Visa Support Form' and a scanned copy of the photo page of your passport, your details will be submitted to our Agent in Tripoli who will act as your
sponsor and obtain the visa code for you. A number of types of codes are available.

Notes:
a) Nationality is usually based on ancestry, rather than passport held.
b) Visa fees levied by the Libyan Embassy are additional to the above authorisation costs. Current rates are £100 for a single entry, £150 for a multi-entry. LD 101 payable at the airport for visa on arrival.
c) Visa on arrival is not recommended for those travelling as part of a Trade Mission, as it can take up to 2 hours for the visa to be issued, and thus delay group transportation for those who have obtained their visas in advance.

Step Two – Visa Issue
Once the visa code has been obtained we will advise you accordingly and you should then forward to us your Passport, Visa Application Form and supporting documentation.

Step Three – Registering with the Libyan Authorities
All short stay visitors must register their Passports with the police within one week of arrival. This will be arranged by the Hotel who will keep your Passports for approximately 24 hours on arrival. A small fee (approx LYD 10-15) is usually charged by the Hotel for this service. Failure to comply may lead to you being fined when you come to leave the country.

Additional Important Visa Information
The Libyan Immigration Authorities require a minimum of two consecutive clean pages to be available in your Passport, and for your Passport to be valid for at least six months from the return date of travel, please check now that you will not need to apply for a new Passport as authorisation cannot be transferred between different Passport numbers.

An absolute minimum of 3 weeks should be allowed for the visa process to be completed; however you will only need to release your Passport for a total of 9 working days. Your Passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of return from Libya and must not contain proof of a visit to Israel.

Visa authorisation and the issuance of a visa are solely at the discretion of the Libyan authorities. RIBA & CT Group Travel will accept no liability, responsibility or claim of any sort should the authorisation, or the visa application, be refused by the authorities.