The global publishing, research and consultancy firm Oxford Business Group signed a partnership agreement in March with Tumi Law Firm - the largest in Libya - under which it will provide coverage of the legal aspects of doing business for The Report: Libya 2008, OBG's first guide on the country's economy.

Jana Treeck, OBG's country director for Libya, said: "Working with Libya's largest law firm will give Oxford Business Group the opportunity to portray the Libya legal framework in a most comprehensive manner. The complexity of Libyan legislation is still a major issue for foreign investors and the lack of clarity makes some of them think twice about establishing themselves in Libya."

She added, "Tumi Law firm is renowned as the most sophisticated and professional law firm in Libya exhibiting a standard of expertise that stretches back over years. Its policy is to provide the highest standards of client care whilst ensuring full awareness of the realities of the commercial and corporate world. With these aspects, Tumi Law Firm has the best credentials for being our partner and will be able to give an objective view of the Libyan legal framework.

"This objective view on the Libyan legal framework will be a great asset, as it is very important section of our publication. Changes in legislation are a strong factor in the decision for entering the Libyan market, so our partnership with Tumi Law Firm will provide our international and foreign readers with in-depth know-how and overview of the legislative framework and its investment environment from a legal standpoint."

Tumi Law Firm will be working closely with the OBG editorial team to research and write the law chapter under the direction of OBG's Libya Editorial Manager, Mark de Vries.

Dr. Mohamed A. Tumi, managing partner of Tumi Laf Firm, said. "We have profound inowledge and expertise in the Libyan legislation that is relevant to foreigners and we are more than able to provide OBG with an accessible, vital insight on the varied aspects of the rapidly evolving Libyan legal environment.

"For foreign investors, the potential in Libya is very high as the market is opening up, though without an understanding of the legal framework the risk for entering the market is still quite high. In our partnership with OBG, we will focus on establishing a strong comprehension of the legislative framework in Libya as there are many changes in, for instance, banking, visa regulations and labour laws.

This will help minimise the risk for investors and give a more transparent image to potential foreign investors."

Tumi has been senior legal consultant to AGIP Oil Company for the past five years and a member of the American Society of International Law since January 1983. He has also been admitted to the Centre de Conciliation, d'Arbitrage et d'Expertise as a mediator and arbitrator.

The Report: Libya 2008, which is OBG's first foreign investment guide on Libya, is to be written by a team of analysts based in Tripoli and will be available in print form and online. OBG publishes annual business guides in more than 25 countries.