Action Global Communications opens in Libya with election brief

The independent PR agency will work for Libya’s transition government to promote the post-Gaddafi elections taking place in June. Action Global Communications will work on an integrated campaign as part of a marketing consortium targeting Libya’s citizens to promote public participation in the elections.

The new business coincides with the agency opening an office in Tripoli, a move the company claims is a first for an international PR agency.

‘The opening of our office in Libya is a true first and marks the establishment of professional, full service, public relations in the country,’ said Action Group Founder and CEO Tony Christodoulou.

‘Before the fall of the Gadhafi regime every aspect of the media in Libya was controlled by the state, so professional PR was unable to flourish. Now we are witnessing the liberalisation of the press, TV and radio, and rapid growth in the number of publications, channels and stations. By expanding our network into countries and places where others fear to tread, we are bringing professional practices and international standards to emerging markets and can better serve our multinational and local clients.’

The office will be led by country manager Radwan Gariani, supported by a start-up team of three staff. Gariani has more than 12 years' experience of working in the comms field in Libya and abroad, advising international as well as local companies. Based in central Tripoli the agency will look to provide full service PR and comms, as well as event management, media monitoring and media training.

The agency works for a number of international clients, including Amadeus, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, BP, Aston Martin, Microsoft and Siemens. The company also delivers comms for a number of EU programmes and is likely to help the EU communicate in the new Libya.

The Action network has a roster of 44 agencies, five of which are in North Africa. The independent PR group was established more than 40 years ago.