 Since sanctions against Libya were eased in April 2004, Al-Huwayj has attempted to attract foreign investors and accelerate a domestic privatization campaign.For example, in 2005 Al-Huwayj argued, "with a GDP of USD $21 billion and a relatively small population of 5.8 million people, Libya is a wealthy country.Libya has no financial problems, almost no foreign debt and is the most stable country in the region."