Chinese enterprises�� losses in Libya have aroused great public attention.

Rumors such as ��China lost thousands of billions of yuan�� and ��Chinese investment in Libya was wasted�� are widespread, but are short of factual evidence and legal grounds, or even have inconsistency in their data about the losses.

The exact numbers for economic losses of Chinese enterprises in Libya are still unknown. Current statistics reported by the media are only based on total contract amounts in Libya and estimated asset and facility losses, without considering the stage of these contracts�� fulfillment or the accuracy of loss estimation.

The Ministry of Commerce has published data showing that the turmoil in Libya has affected 50 projects undertaken by 75 Chinese enterprises, involving a total amount of $18.8 billion.

Chinese companies can get full payment only when the contract is completed. If the contract is halted at time of warfare, investors may only get part of the contract amount. The incompleteness of contracts doesn��t mean enterprises�� rip-off.

It��s both difficult and too early to calculate the exact amounts of losses, as the Libyan situation has not yet cleared.

According to international practices, assessment of damages should be done in accordance with local regulations.

The Libyan Civil Code regulates that compensation for contract losses involves only actual losses and profit losses, and the calculations should exclude foreseeable losses caused directly by breach of contract.

As the contract amount is ascertained, Chinese companies�� losses in Libya are mostly actual losses, including asset and facility damages, and account receivable losses.