TRIPOLI, May 3 (Xinhua) -- Libya's UN-backed Prime Minister, Fayez Serraj, on Thursday called for establishment of Libyan-Italian investment project to counter illegal immigration.

Serraj's made his remarks during the Libyan-Italian Economic Conference in Libyan capital Tripoli, which discussed joint investment opportunities and reconstruction in Libya.

The event was attended by a number of businessmen and senior officials from the two countries.

"We look forward to translating this partnership into joint investments, programs and initiatives in the areas of reconstruction, infrastructure, energy, finance, and tourism," Serraj said in his opening speech.

The prime minister also pointed out that establishment of joint investment project could address the problem of illegal immigration on both countries, stressing that such project can be invested to fill the security gap and limit migration.

"The promotion of marine fishing and establishment of tourism and economic projects along the Libyan coast, in addition to spatial development in the south and benefiting from a decentralized management approach, have significant positive impacts on migration," he said.

The conference is a continuation of the work of the Libya-Italian Joint Economic Forum held in Italy in July 2017, which discussed investment opportunities in Libya between businessmen in both countries.

Due to state of insecurity and chaos, Libya is a major departure point for thousands of illegal immigrants wanting to cross the Mediterranean towards European shores, particularly Italy.