The two officials spoke at a Croatian-Libyan business forum organised at the Croatian Chamber of the Economy (HGK).
Ghanem said that apart from good political relations, Libya wanted to expand economic cooperation with Croatia in the exchange of commodities as well as technologies.
Polancec said Croatia could be Libya's gateway to Europe just as Libya could be Croatia's gateway to Africa. He spoke of the advantages of Croatia's geographic position and its Rijeka and Ploce ports, and said that Croatia's participation in numerous European associations should encourage Libyan business people to cooperate and invest, notably in the energy sector, shipbuilding and tourism.
HGK president Nadan Vidosevic pledged the chamber's assistance in future economic cooperation.
A dozen Libyan business people who accompanied PM Ghanem are expected to meet representatives of some 20 Croatian companies.
Croatia's trade deficit with Libya in 2004 was USD21.7 billion.