TRIPOLI--Action Global Communications has become the first international PR firm to enter Libya, as the country liberalises its economy following the fall of former leader Muammar Gaddafi.

Action Libya is headed by country manager, Radwan Gariani, who is supported by three staffers. Gariani has more than 12 years of experience of working in the communications field in Libya and abroad, and previously worked at the country’s National Oil Corporation.

One of the firm's first assignments will be to promote the country's first democratic elections, on behalf of Libya's transition government.

“Before the fall of the Gaddafi regime every aspect of the media in Libya was controlled by the state, so professional PR was unable to flourish,” said Action Group founder and CEO Tony Christodoulou. “Now we are witnessing the liberalisation of the press, TV and radio and rapid growth in the number of publications, channels and stations.”

The expansion brings Action’s office count to 44, including five in North Africa. Headquartered in Cyprus, the network covers a region that stretches from Kazakhstan and Pakistan in the East to Morocco and Belgium in the West.