# 

# Doing Business in Mauritania: A Country Commercial Guide for U.S. Companies

# INTERNATIONAL COPYRIGHT, U.S. & FOREIGN COMMERCIAL SERVICE AND U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE, 2007. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES.

-   [Chapter 1: Doing Business in Mauritania](#section-1)

-   [Chapter 2: Political and Economic
    Environment](#chapter-2-political-and-economic-environment)

-   [Chapter 3: Selling U.S. Products and
    Services](#chapter-3-selling-u.s.-products-and-services)

-   [Chapter 4: Leading Sectors for U.S. Export and Investment](#ch4)

-   [Chapter 5: Trade Regulations and Standards](#agsectors)

-   [Chapter 6: Investment Climate](#chapter-6-investment-climate)

-   [Chapter 7: Trade and Project Financing](#ch7)

-   [Chapter 8: Business Travel](#ch8)

-   [Chapter 9: Contacts, Market Research, and Trade Events](#section-3)

-   [Chapter 10: Guide to Our
    Services](#chapter-10-guide-to-our-services)

# 

# Chapter 1: Doing Business in Mauritania

-   [Market Overview](#market-overview-return-to-top)

-   [Market Challenges](#market-challenges-return-to-top)

-   [Market Opportunities](#market-opportunities-return-to-top)

-   [Market Entry Strategy](#market-entry-strategy-return-to-top)

## Market Overview [**Return to top**](#section-1)

-   Mauritania is a Sahelian country with both Arab and African
    influences. Despite its limited resources, it is seeking to overcome
    a history of nomadic poverty, Arab nationalism, and state-centered
    policies by building an urbanized society, a pluralist democracy,
    and a market-based economy.

-   Twice the size of France (1.09 million sq. km) but with only 3
    million people, Mauritania has the world's third lowest population
    density after Mongolia and Namibia. Located at the western edge of
    the Sahara with 500 miles of Atlantic coastline, Mauritania shares
    borders with the Western Sahara and Algeria to the north, Mali to
    the east and south, and Senegal to the south. The country is about
    90% desert.

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   Mauritania forms a geographic link between North and Sub-Saharan
    Africa. It has long been associated with a historical tradition of
    north-south trade and a culture favorable to free markets, personal
    mobility, and entrepreneurship.

-   Mauritania offers a small but rapidly growing market with a per
    capita GDP estimated at \$663 in 2005 (following the revision of
    government data) and a population growth rate of 3 percent. Offshore
    oil production, which began in February 2006, copper and gold
    production, and large foreign-financed investments in infrastructure
    boosted the 2006 nominal GDP by nearly 50 percent, with real GDP
    increasing by nearly 19 percent. Real non-oil GDP was expected to
    increase by about 6.8 percent in 2006, according to Government and
    IMF projections.

-   Over the past decade the Government of the Islamic Republic of
    Mauritania has become increasingly open to foreign trade and
    investment. With the support of the World Bank, the International
    Monetary Fund (IMF), and other donors, the Government has
    liberalized the exchange system, reformed the fiscal and financial
    systems, and privatized a number of parastatals.

-   Mauritania's external position improved in 2006 in terms of trade:
    exports and imports as a percentage of nominal GDP reached 32 and 38
    percent respectively in 2005; the projections for 2006 were 59 and
    26 percent respectively. Almost all of the country\'s consumer goods
    are imported, covered only partially by exports - principally iron
    ore, fish, and oil. The external current account was projected to
    have a surplus of about three percent of GDP by the end of 2006
    despite the increased cost of imported fuel.

-   Trade with the United States is limited, but it has grown
    significantly in recent years. The U.S. share of total imports grew
    from seven to eleven percent between 2002 and 2005. It was
    Mauritania's third largest supplier in 2005, behind France and
    Spain. Greater equipment and vehicle purchases by the national
    mining company Société Nationale Industrielle et Minière (SNIM), the
    largest importer of American goods, accounted for most of the
    increase. The commercial environment for U.S. trade and investment
    is favorable.

-   Mauritania\'s liberal economic policies, coupled with the advent of
    petroleum production and exports, should favor continued capital
    inflows and economic growth. A number of U.S. companies already have
    representatives in Mauritania, and many local companies are
    interested in joint ventures with U.S. firms.

## Market Challenges [Return to top](#section-1) 

-   Mauritania's major challenges continue to be persistent poverty
    affecting nearly 40 percent of the population, a fragile economy,
    and limited diversification of exports.

-   Tariffs and taxes are still high in comparison with neighboring
    countries (some import taxes are as high as 45 percent). Corruption
    and the complexity of customs procedures are a concern for newly
    established companies.

-   Infrastructure in the country is limited but improving.
    Communication problems continue to exist. However, these limitations
    do not constitute a serious obstacle to trade and investment. Arabic
    is the official language in Mauritania, but French is used in all
    international business activities.

-   Increased housing, land, and electricity prices are becoming
    worrisome for investors.

-   Labeling on all packages and containers is required to be in Arabic
    or Latin characters. It should include the nature, quantity and
    quality of the product, production and expiration dates, and the
    country of origin.

-   The importation of alcohol, pork, and firearms is prohibited.

## Market Opportunities [**Return to top**](#section-1)

-   The best market opportunities for investors are in the oil, gas,
    mineral, fishing and tourism industries.

-   Mauritania\'s oil and gas sector offers major opportunities for
    American contractors and suppliers. Exploratory drilling has
    revealed significant deposits of oil and gas both onshore and
    offshore of Mauritania.

-   Iron ore production and export is the largest source of revenue for
    the state. Exploration has shown important signs of mineral
    deposits. In 2006, copper production began and gold production will
    follow shortly. The Government continues to grant licenses to
    foreign companies for mineral research and exploration.

-   Seafood is one of Mauritania's most important exports. The
    Mauritanian Exclusive Economic Zone contains some of the world's
    richest fishing grounds. This sector offers a variety of
    opportunities for U.S. sales.

-   Tourism is another growing sector. U.S. tour operators may find good
    opportunities in Mauritanian with its peaceful desert and beautiful
    beaches.

-   Future infrastructure projects include a joint project with the
    Government of Senegal to construct a bridge over the Senegal River.
    There are also infrastructure opportunities for U.S. companies
    engaged in mineral prospecting, electrical equipment and power
    generation, waterworks, and information technology.

-   Mauritania\'s new investment code is intended to encourage foreign
    investment and joint ventures, and the government has been keen to
    find U.S. companies interested in mineral prospecting and
    participation in the various privatization programs. Projects funded
    by international financial institutions (IFIs) also offer
    opportunities in the areas of construction, irrigation,
    communications, and consulting.

## Market Entry Strategy [**Return to top**](#section-1)

-   The Mauritanian Market is open to international exporters. It was
    liberalized in October 1991.

-   The best strategy to enter the market is to establish a relationship
    with a well-connected local partner who knows the market and can
    help investors make the necessary contacts. This partner will help
    investors to better understand the culture and business environment.

-   Before deciding on doing any kind of business, the foreign investor
    should first visit Mauritania and discuss their business plan with a
    local partner. Investors should also meet with government officials
    responsible for the sector that he or she is interested in to
    discuss the administrative procedures required to become legally
    established.

-   Agents and distributors are commonly used and Mauritanians
    frequently express interest in representing foreign companies in all
    sectors. Western companies and trademarks are represented in the
    country.

# Chapter 2: Political and Economic Environment

For background information on the political and economic environment of
the country, please click on the link below to the U.S. Department of
State Background Notes.

[www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/5467.htm]{.underline}

[Return to table of contents](#toc)

# Chapter 3: Selling U.S. Products and Services 

-   [Using an Agent or
    Distributor](#using-an-agent-or-distributor-return-to-top)

-   [Establishing an Office](#establishing-an-office-return-to-top)

-   [Franchising](#franchising)

-   [Direct Marketing](#direct-marketing-return-to-top)

-   [Joint Ventures/Licensing](#joint-ventureslicensing-return-to-top)

-   [Selling to the
    Government](#selling-to-the-government-return-to-top)

-   [Distribution and Sales
    Channels](#distribution-and-sales-channels-return-to-top)

-   [Selling
    Factors/Techniques](#selling-factorstechniques-return-to-top)

-   [Electronic Commerce](#electronic-commerce-return-to-top)

-   [Trade Promotion and
    Advertising](#trade-promotion-and-advertising-return-to-top)

-   [Pricing](#pricing-return-to-top)

-   [Sales Service/Customer
    Support](#sales-servicecustomer-support-return-to-top)

-   [Protecting Your Intellectual
    Property](#protecting-your-intellectual-property-return-to-top)

-   [Due Diligence](#local-professional-services-return-to-top)

-   [Local Professional
    Services](#local-professional-services-return-to-top)

-   [Web Resources](#web-resources-return-to-top)

## Using an Agent or Distributor [**Return to top**](#chapter-3-selling-u.s.-products-and-services)

Local businessmen frequently express interest in representing U.S.
companies, and the number of those doing so is growing. Commercial
agents are found in many sectors, including technology, new and used
vehicles, heavy equipment, oil products distribution, oil and mining
exploration, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment, telecommunications,
and electronic tools. In general, these agents have a written contract
and they negotiate sales and purchases on behalf of producers,
manufacturers, and dealers. The distributor operates independently and
is only bound by the written provisions of the distribution agreement.
In general, either party, without prior notification, may terminate a
distribution agreement of specified duration, at the end of the contract
period.

Visiting the country is necessary to find a good partner. It is
recommended that a U.S. businessperson comes to Mauritania and meets
with potential operators in the sector he or she is interested in. This
will allow him or her to have a better idea of the business climate in
the country and potential agents or distributors for his or her
products. Maintaining good contact with the government and having
influence within the local business community and civil society will
help a business to succeed in Mauritania.

## Establishing an Office [**Return to top**](#chapter-3-selling-u.s.-products-and-services)

[]{#franchising .anchor}The Government encourages the importation of new
technologies and the creation of new enterprises such as joint ventures
in local fish processing or in agro-business. The Office of Private
Sector Development ("Guichet Unique de l'Investissement") at the
Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Mauritanian Chamber of Commerce
offer assistance and advice to those wishing to establish an office in
Mauritania. The Employers' Association, the Chamber of Commerce, and the
\"Centre d\'Information Mauritanien pour le Développement Economique et
Technique\" maintain a list of business groups and/or individuals and
other information useful to companies wishing to do business in
Mauritania.

To establish a local office, a foreign investor should first visit the
Office of Private Sector Development to submit a proposal for his or her
investment project and to inquire about the necessary documents to file
and steps to be undertaken in order to be legally established. The
investor should also contact the ministry relevant to their business as
well as the Ministries of Economy and Finance, Interior, and Justice to
submit and finalize all documents. They should also contact the Central
Bank to submit documents related to tax registration.

## Direct Marketing [**Return to top**](#chapter-3-selling-u.s.-products-and-services)

Direct marketing has not yet been developed in Mauritania. Because few
buyers read newspapers and journals, producers and wholesalers rarely
use this means of communication. Instead, they use billboards to exhibit
their products. Graphic billboards on major thoroughfares and roadside
banners are an important advertising medium for the largely illiterate
public. The number of billboards is increasing rapidly in Nouakchott and
Nouadibou, as they are a relatively inexpensive means of advertising.
Radio and TV are also used for advertising, but they are considered too
expensive by many local companies. Events such as tradeshows and
exhibitions are limited in Mauritania. The residents of Nouakchott,
however, are acquainted with fairs, and they enjoy visiting and buying
the products on display. A great deal of information also passes by word
of mouth.

## Joint Ventures/Licensing [**Return to top**](#chapter-3-selling-u.s.-products-and-services)

The legal requirements for joint ventures/licensing are the following:

-   Foreign investors and their local partners must create a commercial
    company and register it in Mauritania. It is recommended that the
    local partner handle the registration due to its complexity. There
    are several notaries in Nouakchott who specialize in the creation of
    new companies.

-   Foreign investors and their local partners must prepare the
    following documents and have them notarized: the minutes of the
    joint venture, the rules and procedures of a constituent assembly,
    and the regulations and articles of the new company.

-   The existing joint ventures are primarily with companies from other
    Arab countries and are mainly in the mineral, fishing,
    telecommunications, and banking sectors. However, businesses in many
    sectors are seeking to expand such ventures with a wide array of
    foreign partners, including companies from the United States. The
    Government of Mauritania offers a wide range of incentives to
    foreign investors.

## Selling to the Government [**Return to top**](#chapter-3-selling-u.s.-products-and-services)

Government procurement is divided into three distinct categories:

> \(a\) Procurement related to large development projects worth more
> than USD10 million. These projects are generally financed by
> multilateral institutions (World Bank, Arab Fund, Islamic Development
> Bank, African Development Bank, European Bank of Investment, etc.).
>
> \(b\) Procurement related to medium and small-scale projects financed
> jointly by the Government of Mauritania and one or more development
> partners.
>
> \(c\) Procurement related to small projects valued at less than \$1
> million and financed solely by the Government of Mauritania.

For categories (a) and (b), procurements are made through foreign
government tenders (avis d'appel d'offres international). For category
(c), procurements are made by mutual agreement, without a public tender.
Such direct awards are also used for certain sensitive procurements and
projects in categories (a) and (b), e.g. related to security issues.

The Government\'s Central Procurement Board ("Commission Centrale des
Marchés"), which falls under the Prime Minister's authority, is
responsible for monitoring compliance with procurement regulations and
conducting most government negotiations with foreign suppliers. For
large or complex projects, the Government often requires bidders to
submit letters of interest, in order to be short-listed prior to the
issuance of a restricted tender. This closed bidding system has been
widely used in privatization schemes in Mauritania. Therefore, it is
very important to be informed of the project and to respond with an
\"expression of interest\" prior to the published tender. The World Bank
is assisting the Central Procurement Board to improve its procedures,
the transparency of its operations, and its implementation of existing
regulations. The regulations governing the Procurement Board are
available at the Ministry of Economy and Finance.

## Distribution and Sales Channels [**Return to top**](#chapter-3-selling-u.s.-products-and-services)

Almost all of Mauritania's imported goods enter Mauritania via
Nouakchott\'s "Friendship Port.\" From there, they are trucked to
wholesalers, distributors, and retailers. Large wholesalers, especially
those involved in the leading family conglomerates that dominate much of
Mauritania\'s economy, account for the majority of the country's import
trade. Agents operating on commission deal mainly in electronic
components or heavy machinery and spare parts.

Most goods are retailed through small shops (boutiques), or by vendors
in the sprawling open-air markets prominent in Nouakchott and other
towns. The informal sector remains pervasive, involved in everything
from the sale of livestock and vehicles to spare parts, used clothing,
and vegetables. Medium-sized stores and \"supermarkets\" are
increasingly popular, especially in Nouakchott and Nouadibou.

## Selling Factors/Techniques [**Return to top**](#chapter-3-selling-u.s.-products-and-services)

Product literature must be in French and/or Arabic. The packaging should
describe the nature of the product, its quality and quantity, as well as
the production and expiration dates.

## Electronic Commerce [**Return to top**](#chapter-3-selling-u.s.-products-and-services)

This form of commerce is not used within Mauritanian. Very few
Mauritanians use the internet to purchase products or services. They
prefer to meet directly with producers and suppliers. Some importers
purchase their products by a simple phone call or fax to their European
or Asian suppliers, but that is not the norm.

## Trade Promotion and Advertising [**Return to top**](#chapter-3-selling-u.s.-products-and-services)

There are few qualified advertising agencies in Mauritania. What
advertising exists is done in Arabic and French through newspapers,
magazines, radio, and TV. However, as stated above, most buyers do not
read newspapers or magazines. For those companies and distributors that
are interested in using newspapers to advertise their products, there
are several options. There are currently about 30 newspapers published
in Mauritania, although only a dozen are published with regularity, and
only two private newspapers are published daily. The most prominent
newspapers are as follows:

Journal HORIZONS (French version) and CHAAB (Arabic version) (Official)

B.P. 467

Nouakchott, Mauritanie

Tel: (222) 525-5883

Fax: (222) 525-3170 or 525-4587

Mr. Mohamed Ould Hamady, Director

LE CALAME (Arabic and French versions)

B.P. 1059

Nouakchott, Mauritanie

Fax: (222) 525-7555

Mr. Habib Ould Mahfoud, President and Managing Director

LA TRIBUNE

B.P. 6227

Nouakchott, Mauritanie

Tel: (222) 525-4492

Fax: (222) 525-0209

Mr. Mohamed Fall Ould Oumère, President and Managing Director

L'Eveil Hebdo

B.P. 387

Nouakchott, Mauritanie

Tel & Fax: (222) 525-6714

Mr. Sy Mamoudou, President and Managing Director

Nouakchott Info (private daily, Arabic and French versions)

B.P. 1905

Nouakchott, Mauritanie

Tel: (222) 525-0271

Fax: (222) 525-5484

Mr. Cheikhna Ould Nenni, President and Managing Director

Le Journal

Tel: (222) 630-5339

Mr. Yedaly Fall, Managing Director

L\'Authentique

Ilot T, Tevragh Zeina

Nouakchott, Mauritanie

Tel & Fax: (222) 525-9962

Mobile: (222) 630-3648 or 651-2130

Mr. Oumar Ould Moctar, Director

L\'ESSOR

B.P. 5310

Nouakchott, Mauritanie

Tel: (222) 529-1983

Fax: (222) 525-0407

E-mail: <lessorjournal@yahoo.com>

Mr. Sidi El Moctar Cheiguer, Director

## Pricing [**Return to top**](#chapter-3-selling-u.s.-products-and-services)

The price of products varies significantly from one locale to another,
as well as from one shop to another in the same locale. Prices depend on
distribution channels as well as price mark-ups determined by individual
retailers for products whose prices are not under government control.

## Sales Service/Customer Support [**Return to top**](#chapter-3-selling-u.s.-products-and-services)

All reliable suppliers provide sales service to their customers. For a
certain period after the sale, this service is free of charge. After
this period has expired, the supplier may charge repair fees to
customers. Customer support is widely available for electronic
components, household appliances, vehicles, heavy equipment and small
fishing vessels.

## Protecting Your Intellectual Property [**Return to top**](#chapter-3-selling-u.s.-products-and-services)

Mauritania is a member of the MIGA and the African Organization of
Intellectual Property (OAPI). Member states of the OAPI agreed to honor
intellectual property rights principles and to establish uniform
procedures of implementation. International agreements include the Paris
Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property, the Berne
Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works, the Hague
Convention for the Registration of Designs and Industrial Models, the
Lisbon Convention for the Protection and International Registration of
Original Trade Names, the World Intellectual Property Organization, the
Washington Treaty on Patents, and the Vienna Treaty on the Registration
of Trade Names. Mauritania signed and ratified the WTO TRIPS (Trade Role
on Intellectual Property and Service) agreement in 1994, but it has yet
to implement it. The government also signed and ratified the World
Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) treaties in 1976. (See Section
on Property Rights in the Investment Climate Statement).

## Local Professional Services [**Return to top**](#chapter-3-selling-u.s.-products-and-services)

Links to local service providers are not available. Below is a list of
prominent professional organizations.

Mauritanian Employers Association

B.P. 383

Nouakchott, Mauritanie

Tel: (222) 525-2160 or 525-3301

Mr. Mohamed Hmayen Bouamatou, President

Mr. Seyid Ould Abdellahi, Secretary General

Mining and Industry Association

B.P. 3475

Nouakchott, Mauritanie

Tel: (222) 525-3239

Fax: (222) 525-8157

Mr. Ahmed Hamza, President

National Fishing Association

B.P. 43

Nouadibou, Mauritanie

Tel: (222) 574-5089

Fax: (222) 574-5430

<fnp@toptechnology.mr>

Mr. Mohamed Mahmoud Sidina Sadegh, Secretary General

Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development

Tel: (222) 525-9237

Fax: (222) 525-9237

Mr. Mohamed Salem Ould Ahmed, Representative

## Web Resources [**Return to top**](#chapter-3-selling-u.s.-products-and-services)

SNIM: [www.snim.com](http://www.snim.com/)

[Centre d'Information Mauritanien pour le Développement Economique et
Technique
(CIMDET):](../Centre%20d'Information%20Mauritanien%20pour%20le%20Developpement%20Economique%20et%20Technique%20(CIMDET):%20)
[www.cimdet.mr](http://www.cimdet.mr/)

[[]{#ch4 .anchor}Return to table of contents](#toc)

# Chapter 4: Leading Sectors for U.S. Export and Investment 

**Mining**

### Overview [**Return to top**](#ch4)

  -------------------------- ------------- ------------- ------------------
                             2005          2006          2007 (estimated)

  Total Market Size          1.10          1.20          1.50

  Total Local Production     11.2          11.5          12.0

  Total Exports              10.5          10.6          11.0

  Total Imports              0.4           0.3           0.5

  Imports from the U.S.      0             0             0
  -------------------------- ------------- ------------- ------------------

Millions of metric tons

In spite of heavy global competition and occasional price declines, the
mining sector continues to be Mauritania's largest foreign exchange
generator, with a turnover that reached USD 360 million and accounted
for 12.5 percent of Mauritania\'s GDP in 2005. Virtually all mineral
exports consist of iron ore, of which Mauritania has exceptional
deposits, estimated at 190 million metric tons of naturally rich iron
ore (66 percent iron content), as well as billions of tons of
lower-quality ore. These deposits are extracted by the mining parastatal
Société Nationale Industrielle et Minière (SNIM), which the government
owns a 78.4 percent stake of it. The remaining shares are held by the
Industrial Bank of Kuwait (7.2 percent), the Arab Mining Company (5.7
percent), the Iraq Fund for External Development (4.6 percent), the
Bureau de Recherches et de Participations Minières (2.3 percent), the
Islamic Bank of Development (1.8 percent), and private Mauritanians (0.1
percent). With 3750 employees in 2005, SNIM is by far the largest
business in Mauritania and is among the top 500 enterprises in Africa.

Mauritania ranks as the 15th largest iron ore producer worldwide, but
its annual export of 10-11,000 metric tons falls far behind that of
Brazil with more than 200 million metric tons per year or even the
United States with more than 50 million metric tons per year. However, a
large portion of its reserves are very high quality iron ore (over 60
percent metal content), attracting relatively high prices, profits, and
demand. Production is centered in Zouérate, a classic company town,
where SNIM\'s repair and machine-building shops service the mine\'s
massive trucks and drills. Its railroad, which relies on American-made
locomotives, carries the ore 700 km to the mineral port at Nouadibou.
Proven reserves in early 2004 were 190 million tons of naturally rich
ore and 660 million tons of ferruginous quartzite. They are expected to
yield 12 million tons per year for at least the next century.

SNIM intends to increase production to 12 million metric tons per year
while at the same time ensuring the quality of its product. Good
management, sustained investment in equipment and training, and
increased worker productivity has buoyed SNIM\'s performance even in
years of poor prices and demand. Low prices caused exports to drop
slightly in 2003 to 9.6 million tons. In 2005 and 2006 world iron prices
rebounded by 25 percent, mainly due to rising Chinese demand, and SNIM
exported nearly 11 million metric tons. Increased revenues permitted
SNIM to purchase USD 33 million in equipment and spare parts from U.S.
companies in 2005, representing 34 percent of the company\'s total
imports. The company plans to purchase more goods and services from the
U.S. in 2007.

Apart from the SNIM holdings, the Mauritanian government encourages
private investment in onshore mineral exploration and production. One
such case is in the area of Guelb Moghrein, near the town of Akjoujt
(320 km north of Nouakchott), once a major center for copper mining. In
2004 the Emirati company Wadi Al Rawda and the Canadian company First
Quantum signed an agreement with Mauritanian authorities to revive
copper and gold production at Guelb Moghrein. Work began in June 2005
and production started in September 2006. To date, Mauritanian Copper
Mining (MCM) has produced nearly 2.5 million metric tons of concentrated
copper. The gold content is 1.6 g per ton, which is considered good in
comparison to other copper mines in Africa. Mauritania is estimated to
have 23 million metric tons of copper reserves. The Canadian company Rio
Narcea Gold Mine, in a joint venture with SNIM, is developing the
Tasiast mine in Akjoujt. The mine will begin production next August is
expected to produce four tons of pure gold every year for the next ten
years according to company representatives. The deposit is being mined
by simple open-pit mining.

The Australian company Sphere Investments Ltd. has formed a joint
venture with SNIM to develop the Guelb El Aouj iron ore project by
funding a feasibility study costing USD 11 million. Sphere and SNIM are
hoping to fund the development of this project by selling some of their
stakes to a third strategic partner. The cost of developing this project
is estimated to be USD 900 million for an estimated 675 million metric
tons of ore, containing 36.4 percent iron.

The number of foreign companies that acquire mineral exploration permits
continues to increase due to the potential opportunities available in
Mauritania. In 2006 and early 2007, the following foreign companies
began mineral exploration in the Taoudenni Basin in central Mauritania:
Nanton International (Spanish), Mauritania Venture Ltd (Irish), El Aouj
S.A. (Australian), Peaks Metals (Qatari), Triton SNB Mines Ltd.
(Australian), Medis Belgium (Belgium), Shield Mining (Australian), Alba
Mineral Resources (British), Sphere Investment Ltd. (Australian) and Rio
Narcea Gold Mines Ltd. (Canadian). Other mineral prospectors active in
Mauritania include BHP Minerals (Australian), Rex Diamond Mining
Corporation (Canadian), FMC Technologies (American), Defiance Mining
(Canadian), Hardman Resources (Australian), Ashton West Africa Property
Ltd. (British), Diamet Minerals (Australian), La Source (French),
Groupment Burns Trading Pty Ltd. (Australian), and Wadi Al Rawda (UAE).

Mauritania also has significant reserves of salt (450 million metric
tons) which are mined traditionally in a number of locations, phosphates
(160 million metric tons), and the world\'s largest deposits of gypsum
(9 billion metric tons). Exploitation of gypsum, located in
Mauritania\'s south-central area, has to date been inhibited by the high
cost of transportation to the coast. Given rising world prices and
demand, the commercialization of Mauritania\'s gypsum reserves is likely
only a matter of time.

### Best Products/Services [**Return to top**](#ch4)

Best prospects and services in this sector include:

-   Excavators

-   Crushers

-   Shovel drills

-   Electric Engines

-   Mining Engines

-   Trucks

-   Cranes

-   Tractors

-   Graders

-   Explosives

-   Conveyor Belts

-   Tires

-   Grinding Balls

-   Rollers for conveyors

-   Tools and materials for railway

-   Logistics

### Opportunities [**Return to top**](#ch4)

Mauritania, particularly the Taoudeni Bassin, contains important and
diversified mineral deposits. Minerals exploration and production
constitute the major opportunities for foreign investors. To date, iron
ore production and exports have played an important role in the national
economy, equaling an average of 12.5 percent of Mauritania\'s GDP and 58
percent of its exports. SNIM is the largest importer of U.S. goods. Its
imports include mining equipment, heavy machinery and spare parts.
Mining production should increase substantially in 2007 as a result of
investments made by SNIM and its foreign partners in 2006 and 2007 in
order to meet China\'s growing demand for iron.

### Resources [**Return to top**](#ch4)

-   Government Agencies:

Ministry of Mines and Industry

B.P. 199

Nouakchott, Mauritanie

Tel: (222) 525-3083

Fax: (222) 525-6937

E-mail: <mmi@mauritania.mr>

Mr. Mohamed Ali Ould Sidi Mohamed, Minister

SNIM

B.P. 42

Nouadibou, Mauritanie

Tel: (222) 574-5174

Fax: (222) 574-5396

Internet: [www.snim.com](http://www.snim.com/)

Mr. Mohamed Ali Ould Sidi Mohamed, General Manager

SNIM\'s Office in France

7, rue du 4 septembre

75002 Paris, France

Tel: 33 (01) 42 96 80 90

Fax: 33 (01) 42 96 12 26

Direction of Mines and Geology

B.P 199

Nouakchott, Mauritanie

Tel: (222) 525-3225

Fax: (222) 525-3225

E-mail: <dmg.sigm@mauritel.mr>

Mr. Wane Ibrahima Lamine, Director

Projet de Renforcement Institutionnel du Secteur Minier

Tel : (222) 525-6861

Mr. Samory or Mr. Abderrahmane Ould Deddah

Mining Cadastre Unit

Tel: (222) 529-3551 or 529-3552

Mr. Mohamed Yahya Ould Hamoudy, Manager

E-mail: <cadastreminier@compunet.mr>

-   Professional Associations:

Industry and Mining Association

B.P. 5501

Nouakchott, Mauritanie

Tel: (222) 525-0304 and 525-8234

Fax: (222) 525-6955

Mr. Ahmed Ould Hamza, President

## Fishing

### Overview [**Return to top**](#ch4)

  ------------------------ -------------- ------------ -------------------
                           2005           2006         2007 (estimated)

  Total Market Size        10             11           12

  Total Local Production   440            430          450

  Total Exports            430            419          438

  Total Imports            0              0            0

  Imports from the U.S.    0              0            0
  ------------------------ -------------- ------------ -------------------

Thousands of metric tons

Along its 754 km Atlantic coastline, Mauritania enjoys a 200-mile
Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) that contains some of the world\'s richest
fishing grounds. The fishing sector accounts for 9 percent of GDP, 29
percent of budget receipts, and generates about 35 percent of
employment. The sector continued to be the country's second largest
foreign exchange earner in 2006. Fishing revenues decreased last year,
but they are expected to go up in 2007. The sector suffers from
over-fishing (affecting cephalopods in particular) and an aging and
poorly maintained local fleet.

In response to declining fish stocks, the Mauritanian government
extended the offshore Exclusion Zone from six miles to 12 miles,
improved its surveillance capacities, and extended the no-fishing
biological reproduction period from 30 to 60 days (September 1 - October
31) each year. Initially restricted to deep-water fishing, the temporary
ban (\"repos biologique\") was extended in 2004 to cover pelagic fishing
in some zones close to shore. Despite these efforts, experts believe
that Mauritanian waters are still being over-fished, with several
species (octopus, squid, and cuttlefish) in decline.

Mauritania\'s total annual catch is estimated at 450,000 tons, of which
a large part is exported directly, without offloading, to destinations
overseas. A majority of the 400 or so ships that trawl Mauritania\'s EEZ
are devoted to cephalopods and other deep water species; the rest are
divided between pelagic fishing and shrimp and lobster.

The Mauritanian fleet is largely composed of old Chinese-made boats and
focuses primarily on deepwater fishing. Effective modernization has been
inhibited by a rule limiting foreign shares in fishing boats to 49
percent - an exception to Mauritania\'s otherwise liberal investment
laws. Given the problems affecting its fishing sector, the Mauritanian
government has signed a series of agreements granting fishing rights to
the European Union fleet. The 2001-2006 agreement increased total
compensation from 267 million to 430 million Euros, barred EU ships from
coastal zones now restricted to traditional fishermen, and increased the
number of authorized trawlers to 137.

On July 22, 2006, the Government and the EU signed a new fishing
agreement for the period August 2006 -- July 2012. This agreement is
renewable every two years for a maximum of three times. The agreement
will allow 200 vessels from 13 EU countries to fish in the Mauritanian
EEZ in return for 516 million euros (USD 654 million) over the next six
years. In addition, the vessel owners will pay about 22 million euros
(USD 28 million) per year to obtain fishing licenses. The cost for the
licenses will vary according to the species being fished (license fees
for more valuable resources will be higher). On the environmental side,
the two parties agreed to reduce the quota for species that are in
danger of depletion (mainly octopus, squid, and cuttlefish) by 30
percent, while the catch of deep water species (hake and shrimp) will be
reduced by 60 percent from their current levels. The catch of pelagic
resources (sardines, mackerel, and anchovy) will be subject to strict
controls. Another important aspect of this agreement is the requirement
for EU vessels producing pelagic resources to land their catches in
Mauritanian ports. The goal is to supply more fish to the domestic
market and to increase the added value of this product.

The Mauritanian government has encouraged onshore fish processing to
increase employment and generate added value. Mauritanian exporters
began exporting frozen fish in the 1980s and added additional processing
stages in the following decade. There are now about 20 small and
medium-sized processors, located largely in the northern port town of
Nouadibou. Processors enjoy government support, fairly easy access to
land, and inexpensive manpower. They are under pressure, however, to
improve standards. Mauritania's Oceanographic and Fisheries Institute,
\"IMROP," which works closely with the EU and Japan, is the key agent in
the enforcement of quality and sanitary controls.

Given the strategic importance of Mauritania\'s fishing sector, the
World Bank has targeted it for private sector development and reform.
The 2004 and 2005 macroeconomic strategy included measures to encourage
joint ventures, upgrade the local fishing fleet, and improve marine
resource management and monitoring. The Mauritanian government has
backed a number of infrastructure developments such as the Nouadibou
port extension, warehouse development, and construction of a new harbor
for artisanal fishing, partially financed by Japan. The Japanese, who
are the leading consumers of Mauritanian cephalopods, along with the EU
and African Development Bank (AFDB), are also backing projects to
improve fishing techniques, equipment, marketing, conservation, and
packaging in the traditional sector. Traditional fishing produces less
revenue than industrial fishing, but generates far more jobs.

### Best Prospects/Services [**Return to top**](#ch4)

The best prospects include:

-   Modern fishing equipment

-   Boat repair plants

-   Fish conservation and packaging techniques

-   Ventures in fish processing, technology, and infrastructure

### Opportunities [**Return to top**](#ch4)

The fishing sector offers a variety of opportunities for U.S. sales.
Many processors, eager to modernize and expand their plants, would
welcome more sophisticated equipment and or investment partners from the
United States. Many nationally-owned boats are old and due for
replacement. New or used boats from the U.S. might find a market here.
U.S. companies can also become joint owners with Mauritanian partners in
fishing ventures, though they would be limited to a 49 percent share.

### Resources [**Return to top**](#ch4)

Ministry of Fisheries and Maritime Economy

Tel: (222) 525-4607

Fax: (222) 525-9970

Mr. Assane Soumare, Minister

National Fishing Association

Tel: (222) 574-5089 or 574-5916

Fax: (222) 574-5430

E-mail: fnp@toptechnology.mr

Mr. Mohamed Mahmoud Sidina Sadegh, Secretary General

Fish Products Promotion Office

Tel : (222) 529-3059

E-mail: dppp.mpem@mauritania.mr

## Offshore Petroleum

### Overview [**Return to top**](#ch4)

U.S. companies were the early leaders in oil exploration in Mauritania
during the 1960s. However, after several unsuccessful exploration
ventures, they gradually withdrew. A second wave of prospecting began in
the 1990s, led by Hardman Resources of Australia. By then, more
favorable government policies, new technologies, and higher world oil
prices had radically changed the picture. A number of other companies
quickly joined the consortia that formed to explore Mauritania\'s
offshore Blocks 1 through 8. To date, the majority share partners and
operators of these Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs), have been
Australia\'s Woodside Petroleum (Blocks 2-6) and Dana Petroleum of the
U.K. (Blocks 1, 7, and 8). Since 2001, exploratory drilling has revealed
significant deposits of offshore oil, first in the Chinguetti field
(Block 4), then in nearby Tiof (both controlled by Woodside-led PSCs).
Substantial gas reserves have also been identified in Woodside\'s Banda
and in Dana\'s Pelican fields, estimated at one and three trillion cubic
feet, respectively.

On February 24, 2006, Woodside began production of offshore oil in the
Chinguitti field and the first shipment left the port on March 23. In
March 2006, average daily production reached 70,000 barrels of oil
equivalent (boe) before declining to about 25,000 boe in December 2006.
As of June 2007, production was less than 11,000 boe per day. This
decrease in production is attributed to well failure and the complexity
of the field. Currently, Woodside is drilling a new well in order to
raise production to its initial level, but this will take time. It plans
to drill three additional wells in 2007 and 2008. Investment costs,
covering both production wells and infrastructure, and a new round of
exploratory drilling, are estimated to cost USD 900 million. To date,
Mauritania has exported nearly 10 million boe to different countries.

In addition to Australia's Woodside, other foreign companies are
intensifying their exploration and drilling operations onshore and
offshore of Mauritania. Dana Petroleum of the UK has three onshore
blocks (1, 7 and 8) and has drilled two wells: Flamant-1 and Aigrette-1.
Drilling of the first well concluded October 2, 2006, after reaching a
depth of 3,297 m with no success. Drilling of the second well, located
in deep water, has reached an oil column 20 m in diameter. Tests and
analysis of samples are underway to determine if the well can be
commercially developed. The Chinese National Petroleum Corporation
International in Mauritania (CNPCIM), with two blocks in coastal waters
(12 and 20) and two blocks in the Taoudeni Basin (Ta13 and Ta21), has
completed 730 km of 2D seismic surveying. CNPCIM, in a joint venture
with the Australian oil and gas exploration company Baraka Petroleum, is
drilling the Heron-1 well in Block 20. The two companies have agreed to
reach a depth of 3,900 m. Preliminary results have shown positive signs
pointing to the presence of hydrocarbons, but conclusive results remain
to be analyzed. The operator and joint venture partner, CNPCIM, plans to
drill another well, Tig-1 in Block 12, after the completion of Heron-1.
The French company Total, with two Blocks in the Taoudeni Basin (Ta7 and
Ta8), has undertaken 36,391 km of 2D seismic surveying. The operator
expects to complete this operation between November 2007 and January
2008. The German company Wintershall, with two blocks in the Taoudeni
Basin (Ta5 and Ta6), and the Spanish company Reposol, with two blocks in
the Taoudeni Basin (Ta9 and Ta10), are carrying out geological surveys
to estimate the hydrocarbon reserves available in these four blocks.
Other companies are also working in the Taoudeni Basin. The most
prominent are IPG (British-Russian), Al Thani (UAE), Energem (Canadian),
and Zaver (Pakistani).

Prospects for further growth in the offshore petroleum sector are
excellent. In addition to major new exploration and drilling programs
already underway, other programs are expected for 2007 and beyond. The
Tiof reserves, moreover, are expected to be anywhere from two to four
times larger than those in Chinguetti. If tests are positive, the fields
could come into production by 2007, providing the Chinguetti
installations with a major additional production hub. Industry sources
are also fairly confident that future discoveries will make commercial
production of gas a reality as well. In July 2006, Gaz de France signed
an agreement with the Mauritanian government to study the possibility of
commercializing Mauritania's gas reserves, including options for
liquefied natural gas. Officials at the Ministry of Energy and Oil are
optimistic that the Taoudeni Basin and deep water fields could hold
large oil and gas deposits.

Business transactions involving Mauritanian oil resources have begun. On
December 18, 2006, the UK company Tullow Oil bought Hardman Resources
Ltd. for USD 1.1 billion. Hardman Resources' assets include 19 percent
of the Chinguitti oil project managed by the Woodside-led group. In
January 2007, BG Group of the UK, an international natural gas company,
completed the sale of their Mauritanian holdings to Kuwait Foreign
Exploration Company (KUFPEC) for a total of USD 128 million. BG Group
purchased Mauritania Holdings BV from Hardman Resources Ltd. in 2004 for
USD 132 million. Sterling Energy (UK), which financed 12 percent of
Mauritania's share of the Chinguitti development project, has expressed
interest in Mauritania's oil and gas sector. Sterling Energy is
considered by the Mauritanian authorities to be a strategic partner in
oil and gas sector.

At current price levels, liquefied natural gas (LNG) production would be
feasible once another 3 million cubic feet are found. There is a good
chance that such resources will be found given the vast offshore tracts,
some of which are four times larger than the North Sea fields. Aware of
the area\'s gas potential, British Gas bought into Hardman\'s
Mauritanian holdings in early 2004. In July, Wintershall AG, the leading
German oil and gas company, acquired a 40 percent share in Dana
Petroleum\'s Block 8.

The Mauritanian government has been very hospitable toward oil
exploration. As requested by the industry, it has approved key
legislation establishing a Simplified Tax Regime for the oil sector,
allowing contract awards and investments to move forward on schedule.
The Ministry of Oil and Mines is actively increasing its administrative
and technical expertise in the hydrocarbon area through the Mauritanian
Hydrocarbon Company.

### Best Prospects/Services [**Return to top**](#ch4)

The best prospects are oil and gas research and exploration in areas not
already covered, such as the south of the Taoudeni Basin and deep water
blocks. There may also be good prospects for companies interested in
providing logistics.

### Opportunities [**Return to top**](#ch4)

The new Mauritanian oil and gas sector offers many opportunities to
foreign petroleum and gas companies. The Government is looking for
experienced companies in this field to do more research and to establish
joint ventures with private Mauritanians.

### Resources [**Return to top**](#ch4)

Ministry of Oil and Mines

Tel: (222) 525-9515 or 525-4307

Mr. Mohamed Lemine Cherif, Director of Hydrocarbons

Société Mauritanienne d\'Entreposage de Produits Pétroliers

Tel: (222) 525-2646 or 525-1301

Fax: (222) 525-4608

E-mail: mepp@mauritel.mr

## Agriculture and Livestock [**Return to top**](#agsectors)

Located in the Western Sahara, Mauritania is 80 to 90 percent desert.
The percentage of desert increased during the catastrophic drought of
the 1970s and periodically rises during years of poor rainfall.
Nevertheless, agriculture and herding continue to play an important role
in the economy, generating about 20 percent of GDP in 2005 and employing
about 30 percent of the labor force.

Although self-sufficiency may be untenable in a desert country like
Mauritania, agricultural development is given high priority by both the
government and donors. While much attention is focused on oasis farming,
it is only viable for subsistence production and for relatively small
populations. Greater hopes lie in the Senegal River Valley, where
virtually all of the country's arable land is located. Government
irrigation schemes, backed by an eleven year World Bank support program,
include rehabilitation of a projected 11,000 hectares of cultivable land
along the river. Mauritania, Senegal, and Mali are also working together
through the Senegal River Valley Development Organization (OMVS), which
has constructed large-scale dams in Diama (Senegal) and Manantali (Mali)
for irrigation and generation of electrical power.

Irrigation and land reform laws, designed to allow both local farmers
and outside investors to take advantage of irrigation projects, have
encouraged expanded commercial production, especially of rice and
millet, in the valley area. At the same time, recurrent drought has
pushed migrant herders and their livestock towards the south, placing
pressure on local farmers and creating the need for large-scale fencing
projects to protect croplands from marauding herds. Estimated livestock
(in thousands of heads) at the end of 2004 were: sheep and goats (8.8
million), cattle (1.5 million), and camels (1.2 million). These numbers
often fluctuate following the rainy season. Mauritania has several
thriving dairy companies, led by Tiviski and Top-Lait, producing fresh
and long-life dairy products including milk, yogurt, and even camel
cheese.

Mauritania's cereal production continues to be far from sufficient to
meet the population's needs. The country\'s cereal production in
2006-2007 (110,283 metric tons) covered only 22.7 percent of its total
need, requiring 375,033 metric tons of imports and aid during the year.
Mauritanian authorities are encouraging private investment in the
agricultural sector to modernize production, improve the quality of
cereals (mainly rice and wheat), and expand irrigation, processing, and
exports. Many farmers are interested in acquiring modern irrigation
equipment and combine-harvesters to improve the quality of cereals along
the Senegal River Valley. American exporters of agricultural
commodities, equipment, and technologies, and importers of specialty
farm and dairy products, should explore opportunities in this sector.

[]{#agsectors .anchor}

[Return to table of contents](#toc)

# Chapter 5: Trade Regulations and Standards

-   [Import Tariffs](#import-tariffs-return-to-top)

-   [Trade Barriers](#trade-barriers-return-to-top)

-   [Import Requirements and
    Documentation](#import-requirements-and-documentation-return-to-top)

-   [U.S. Export Controls](#u.s.-export-controls-return-to-top)

-   [Temporary Entry](#temporary-entry-return-to-top)

-   [Labeling and Marking
    Requirements](#labeling-and-marking-requirements-return-to-top)

-   [Prohibited and Restricted
    Imports](#prohibited-and-restricted-imports-return-to-top)

-   [Customs Regulations and Contact
    Information](#customs-regulations-and-contact-information-return-to-top)

-   [Standards](#standards-return-to-top)

-   [Trade Agreements](#trade-agreements-return-to-top)

-   [Web Resources](#twentysix)

## Import Tariffs [**Return to top**](#agsectors)

In spite of relatively high tariffs, import demand is growing. The
import tax is usually based on the local market value of the item,
rather than the price listed on the commercial invoice. Customs
officials use a list showing import taxes and duties for various items.
Tariffs vary according to the importance attributed to the particular
commodity (between zero and 45 percent, for instance, for \"essential\"
goods). Foreign investors frequently complain of corruption and
complexity in customs procedures.

## Trade Barriers [**Return to top**](#agsectors)

Since the economic and trade liberalization of the early 1990s, trade
barriers have been rendered obsolete. Non-tariff barriers are now
limited to delays in transferring money for payment to suppliers from
local banks.

## Import Requirements and Documentation [**Return to top**](#agsectors)

The documents generally required from Mauritanian importers include the
commercial invoice, the bill of lading or certificate of origin, and the
certificate of inspection given by the Société Générale de Surveillance
(SGS). The commercial invoice should contain the name and address of the
seller and buyer, the place and date the invoice was prepared, the
method of shipment, the quantity, description, and price of the goods,
and delivery and payment terms. Payments of large amounts are usually
made by irrevocable and confirmed Letters of Credit under the control of
the Central Bank of Mauritania or by direct transfer from the bank of
the importer abroad to the bank of the exporter. Cash payments are also
frequently used for smaller purchases.

Importers require pre-shipment inspection and quality control. The
certificate of inspection should accompany imported goods.

## U.S. Export Controls [**Return to top**](#agsectors)

Due to Mauritania's establishment of ties with Israel, Arab
League-imposed secondary and tertiary boycotts against Israel are no
longer enforced. There are no restrictions on U.S. exports to Mauritania
for non-prohibited goods. However, all imported goods to Mauritania have
to be certified by the SGS bureau and the certificate should accompany
them.

## Temporary Entry [**Return to top**](#agsectors)

Personal effects, including professional equipment, that are carried by
hand or in luggage may be temporarily imported into Mauritania free of
duties and taxes under the Customs Convention on Temporary Importation
of Professional Equipment. Goods imported for exhibitions may enter
under an ATA carnet, which may be obtained from the U.S. Council of the
International Chamber of Commerce.

## Labeling and Marking Requirements [**Return to top**](#agsectors)

Product literature and labeling should be in Arabic and/or in Latin
characters. The labeling should indicate the production and expiration
dates, the country of origin, as well as the nature, quality and
quantity of the product in the packaging or container. It is forbidden
to import or distribute expired products in Mauritania. The Direction of
External Trade Promotion at the Ministry of Commerce may provide
additional information on labeling and marking requirements.

## Prohibited and Restricted Imports [**Return to top**](#agsectors)

In accordance with Islamic strictures, Mauritanians are prohibited from
importing alcoholic drinks and pork. Imports of firearms and
pornographic movies are also prohibited.

## Customs Regulations and Contact Information [**Return to top**](#agsectors)

All imported goods, except those previously exempted by law, are subject
to import duties. Import duties are generally calculated according to
the goods\' original invoice price (CIF value). When the buyer does not
present the original invoice, the Customs Service evaluates the market
value of the product and applies the appropriate rate. Imported goods
must be declared at Customs after landing, and the SGS inspects the
nature, price, quality, and quantity, and compares them with those
reported in the original invoice.

Mauritania's membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the
EU/Africa Caribbean Pacific (EU/ACP) Lomé Pact has supplied some
momentum to its trade liberalization policies. However, Mauritania is
one of several developing countries benefiting from a ten-year exemption
in the application of WTO requirements. Customs procedures are extremely
complicated and discouraging for importers who are not familiar with the
Mauritanian system. Since 2002, the Customs offices have been totally
computerized, thanks to European Union support, reducing to some extent
the administrative complexities and time required.

Customs contact information:

Customs Office

B.P. 198

Nouakchott, Mauritanie

Tel: (222) 525-1404 or 525-6302

Fax: (222) 525-5615 or 525-6304

Mr. Ahmed Ould Mohamedou, General Manager

Friendship Port Customs

Tel: (222) 525-3418

Mr. Ahmed Ould Guenaye, General Manager

## Standards [**Return to top**](#agsectors)

-   [Overview](#overview-return-to-top-3)

-   [Standards Organizations](#standards-organizations-return-to-top)

-   [Conformity Assessment and
    Testing](#conformity-assessmenttesting-return-to-top)

-   [Product Certification](#product-certification-return-to-top)

-   [Accreditation](#accreditation-return-to-top)

-   [Publication of Technical
    Regulations](#publication-of-technical-regulations-return-to-top)

-   [Labeling and Marking](#labeling-and-marking-return-to-top)

-   [Contacts](#contacts-return-to-top)

### Overview [**Return to top**](#standards-return-to-top)

Mauritania is in a transitional stage with respect to the application of
WTO regulations and standards. Since the elimination of import-export
licenses, most imports do not require preliminary authorization.
However, the Government plans to create an agency to regulate the import
and export of some products considered to be sensitive, such as live
animals, sugar, rice, pharmaceuticals, arms, narcotics, and explosives.
Mauritania requires pre-shipment inspection of goods costing more than
\$5,000 (F.O.B). These goods are inspected again at the port of
Nouakchott by the Société Générale de Surveillance. The Government
intends to extend the role of the SGS to other standards controls. The
Government also plans to establish a foodstuffs control and fraud
repression laboratory.

### Standards Organizations [**Return to top**](#standards-return-to-top)

Mauritania does not yet have a standards system or quality control
agency, although one is being planned. Unofficially, major importers
(SNIM, for example) use French or American security and sanitary norms
to evaluate goods.

#### NIST Notify U.S. Service

Member countries of the World Trade Organization (WTO) are required
under the Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT Agreement) to
report to the WTO all proposed technical regulations that could affect
trade with other member countries. **Notify U.S.** is a free, web-based
e-mail subscription service that offers an opportunity to review and
comment on proposed foreign technical regulations that can affect access
to international markets. Register online at
[http://www.nist.gov/notifyus/](http://www.nist.gov/notifyus/%0D)

### Conformity Assessment/Testing [**Return to top**](#standards-return-to-top)

There are no testing laboratories for imported goods. However, the
Société Générale de Surveillance (SGS) inspects the conformity of the
goods (nature, quality, quantity, and price) with the purchase documents
(commercial invoice and bill of lading).

### Product Certification [**Return to top**](#standards-return-to-top)

There are no requirements for product certification. Buying decisions
are based on product expiration date, price, and quality. Few importers
require the use of their personal labeling in packaging.

### Accreditation [**Return to top**](#standards-return-to-top)

Accreditation bodies for trade regulation and standards monitoring are
very limited. To date, there is only the Swiss-based SGS, accredited in
Mauritania to inspect imports at the port of Nouakchott, particularly
food and pharmaceutical products.

### Publication of Technical Regulations [**Return to top**](#standards-return-to-top)

Proposed changes to technical regulations are usually not published.
However, all final regulations are published in the national gazette,
the \"Journal Officiel de la République Islamique de Mauritanie,\" and
copies are distributed to relevant government agencies.

### Labeling and Marking [**Return to top**](#standards-return-to-top)

Product literature and labeling should be in Arabic and/or in Latin
characters. The labeling should indicate the production and expiration
dates, the country of origin, as well as the nature, quality, and
quantity of the product in the packaging or container. It is forbidden
to import or distribute expired products in Mauritania.

### Contacts [**Return to top**](#standards-return-to-top)

The government agencies that develop trade and investment standards are:

Direction de la Promotion du Commerce Extérieur (DPCE)

Ministère du Commerce et de l'Industrie

B.P. 182

Nouakchott, Mauritanie

Tel: (222) 525-3572 

GSM: (222) 644-6088

E-mail: comext@mauritania.mr

Mr. Mohamed Ould Hitt, Director

Direction du Développement du Secteur Privé (known as \"Guichet
Unique\")

Ministère de l'Economie et de Finance

B.P. 238

Nouakchott, Mauritanie

Tel: (222) 529-0345

Fax: (222) 529-1290

Mr. Mohamed Salem Ould Abdessalam, Director

Direction de l\'Industrie

Ministère du Pétrole et des Mines

B.P. 387

Nouakchott, Mauritanie

Tel: (222) 525-7266 or 525-3351

Fax: (222) 525-6937

Mr. Mohamed Salem Ould Mamoune, Director

Direction de Promotion des Produits de Pêches

Ministère des Pêches et Economie Maritime

B.P. 137

Nouakchott, Mauritanie

Tel : (222) 529-3059

E-mail : <dppp.mpem@mauritania.mr>

Mr. Mohamed El Hafed Ould Ejiwen, Director

Direction des Hydrocarbures

Ministère de l'Hydraulique, de l'Energie et des TIC

Tel: (222) 524-4307

Fax: (222) 525-9515

Mr. Mohamed Lamine Charif, Director

The DPCE is continually working on commercial reforms, including
procedural improvements, export promotion, and the eventual
implementation of WTO regulations and standards.

## Trade Agreements [**Return to top**](#agsectors)

Mauritania has trade and investment agreements and protection with
member countries of the Arab Maghreb Union (Algeria, Libya, Morocco and
Tunisia) as well as with Saudi Arabia, France, Belgium, and Romania. In
addition, Mauritania is a signatory to the Cotonou Agreement between the
European Union (EU) and the group of African, Caribbean and Pacific
(ACP) countries, and thus enjoys free access to the EU market. As a
least-developed country, Mauritania benefits from duty-free access to
the European market under the Everything-But-Arms initiative. Since
1987, the Government has signed four fisheries agreements with the
European Union, the most recent covering the period August 2006 - July
2012.

Website: www.welcomeeurope.com

[]{#twentysix .anchor}E-mail: <fnpndb@mauritel.mr>

[Return to table of contents](#toc)

#  

# Chapter 6: Investment Climate

-   [Openness to Foreign
    Investment](#openness-to-foreign-investment-return-to-top)

-   [Conversion and Transfer Policies](#thirtytwo)

-   [Expropriation and Compensation](#thirtythree)

-   [Dispute Settlement](#thirtyfour)

-   [Performance Requirements and
    Incentives](#performance-requirements-and-incentives-return-to-top)

-   [Right to Private Ownership and Establishment](#thirtynine)

-   [Protection of Property Rights](#forty)

-   [Transparency of Regulatory System](#fortyone)

-   [Efficient Capital Markets and Portfolio Investment](#fortytwo)

-   [Political Violence](#fortythree)

-   [Corruption](#fortyfour)

-   [Bilateral Investment Agreements](#fortyfive)

-   [OPIC and Other Investment Insurance Programs](#fortysix)

-   [Labor](#fortyseven)

-   [Foreign-Trade Zones/Free Ports](#fortyeight)

-   [Foreign Direct Investment Statistics](#fdi)

-   [Web Resources](#web-resources-return-to-top-1)

## Openness to Foreign Investment [**Return to top**](#chapter-6-investment-climate)

The Government of Mauritania continues to encourage foreign direct
investment and economic liberalization. The government\'s investment and
development policy emphasizes private sector development, which is seen
as the main engine of economic growth. In line with ongoing World
Bank/IMF structural reform programs, the government privatized several
parastatals in the late 1990s, encouraging foreign investors to purchase
shares. The orientation towards privatization and liberalization is
expected to continue in 2007.

The current Investment Code is the official source for laws and
information related to the country\'s investment regime. It is designed
to encourage direct investment, facilitate administrative procedures,
and enhance investment security. Direct investment includes
contributions in kind, labor, and capital, and can be made by
individuals or legal entities, regardless of nationality, residence, or
scale of the investment or enterprise (Art. 1 of the Code).

The Investment Code has reorganized the legal and institutional
framework, extending the capacity of the Consolidated Office for
Investments as a \"One-Stop Investment Shop\" (Guichet Unique) for
potential investors. The creation of the \"Guichet Unique\" in 1998
simplifies and facilitates the following:

\-- Applications for investment licenses

\-- Administrative formalities and procedures

\-- Establishment of business enterprises

\-- Acquisition of work permits for foreign nationals

In 2006 and 2007, both the transitional and the new government have
continued to encourage private investment in Mauritania. The Minister of
Economy and Finance reorganized several departments within the Ministry
and integrated the "Guichet Unique" into the Department of Private
Sector Development in order to combine investment promotion and the
development of the private sector. The new government also established
the "Delegation for the Promotion of Private Investment," which is
intended to foster private investment by simplifying administrative
procedures. The Minister also announced plans to revise the Investment
Code in order to make it more attractive to foreign investors. In
addition, the Minister of Oil and Mines announced plans to revise the
Oil Code to attract greater foreign investment.

The transitional government created the Presidential Council for
Investment in Mauritania (PCIM) in January 2007 and the new government
has continued to support it. The PCIM is comprised of 21 board members,
including chairmen of international and Mauritanian companies, members
of international professional organizations, and local community
members. The President of the PCIM is the Head of State. The board is
required to meet twice a year and it retains the right to invite any
person who might contribute to the accomplishment of PCIM goals. The
main goals include: (a) contributing to the promotion of investment
opportunities; (b) identification of investment barriers and incentives
to investment promotion; and (c) evaluation of relevant recommendations
relating to administrative procedures and institutional rules aiming to
attract more foreign investors.

Privatization, liberalization, and investment incentives have figured
prominently in Mauritania\'s World Bank and IMF inspired economic
programs. The following are the legal guarantees offered to any entity
(domestic or foreign) wishing to invest capital under the investment
code:

\-- Freedom of establishment and capital investment, in accordance with
the laws and regulations in place (Art. 3.1)

\-- Freedom to transfer foreign capital (Art. 5.1)

\-- The ability to transfer professional income of foreign employees
(Art. 5.2)

\-- The equal treatment of Mauritanian and foreign individuals and legal
entities (Art. 6)

The Investment Code and the \"Guichet Unique\" govern foreign investment
in Mauritania. These laws apply to all sectors of the national economy,
with the exception of the following sub-sectors, which are governed by
specific laws and regulations:

\-- Purchasing for resale on the local market without further processing

\-- Activities governed by current legislation on banking regulations,
except for leasing activities

\-- Activities governed by current regulations on insurance and
reinsurance

\-- Activities in the mining and hydrocarbon sectors

\-- Communications and telecommunications

\-- Water and electricity supply

The \"Guichet Unique\" selects and recommends investment projects to the
Council of Ministers, whose meetings are chaired weekly by the Heard of
State. In general, all projects submitted to the Council of Ministers
are accepted. In 2006, the Government approved 13 industrial projects
covering all economic sectors except mining and hydrocarbons. These
projects totaled 7.2 billion ouguiyas (USD 26.5 million) and created 490
jobs. According to government officials in charge of investment
promotion, foreign direct investment has been increasing in number and
value since 2002.

Vendors for large government-directed projects are usually selected
through a tender process. After issuing an invitation to tenders, the
Central Market Commission (\"Commission Centrale des Marchés\") selects
the offer that best fulfills government requirements. The screening
process is intended to be transparent, routine and non-discriminatory;
it should not impede investment nor limit competition.

No sector is closed to investment. The mining, fishing, agricultural,
banking, hydrocarbon and tourism sectors actively seek foreign direct
investment. The Investment Code identifies activities eligible for the
Duty-Free Zones Program (\"Points Francs\"), which guarantees certain
advantages, such as exemption from export duties and taxes (Art. 8.1).
This provides incentives for businesses that produce goods and services
intended exclusively for export, and/or that develop exports of
Mauritanian-manufactured products. However, businesses that are not
qualified for these incentives are demanding a revision of the
Investment Code to allow universal incentives.

Foreign investors generally receive the same treatment as Mauritanian
investors, subject to the provisions of treaties and agreements
concluded by the Government with other countries (Art. 6.1, 6.2 and 6.3
of the investment code). Foreign investors have the same access as
Mauritanians to courts of law (Art. 7.1 and 7.2). Nonetheless, the
success of foreign investors will depend in large part on their
successful collaboration with local partners who understand the local
market and government. Contracts are protected by the civil and
commercial codes, although court enforcement and dispute settlement can
in practice be difficult to obtain.

Deep offshore as well as potential onshore oil and gas reserves have
attracted major foreign companies. The Government is currently revising
the Oil Code to attract greater foreign investment. Mining, which
initially focused on iron development, continues to offer good
potential. Among the many unexplored natural resources are gold,
diamonds, copper, gypsum, uranium and hydrocarbons.

The new information technology sector is growing and there have been
major foreign and domestic private investments in telecommunications, in
particular, Mauritanian-Tunisian, Mauritanian-Moroccan and the recent
Mauritanian-Sudanese joint ventures. In addition, the country offers
potential in the hospitality and tourism sector. However, major
investment is needed to create the necessary infrastructure and
specialized services.

With the exception of fishing companies (where foreign investment is
limited to a 49 percent share), Mauritania has no discriminatory
policies against foreign investment, imports, or exports. Mauritania is
a signatory of the EU/ACP Lomé Convention, which gives underdeveloped
nations certain advantages and preferential treatment when exporting or
importing some products to or from EU member countries. Mauritania is
also a member of the Arab Maghreb Union, which was created in 1988 to
work toward the political and economic integration of Algeria, Libya,
Mauritania, Morocco, and Tunisia. Stated economic goals include a common
market with a single currency, Maghreb-wide corporations, unified
customs zones, and freedom of movement for capital and individuals.

Mauritania has been a member of the Multilateral Investment Guarantee
Agency (MIGA) since 1996, which protects direct foreign investment
against political risks. Mauritania also has bilateral agreements with
France, Belgium and Romania for investment promotion and protection.
Other agreements exist with Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Gambia, Ghana,
Mauritius, Italy, Lebanon, Qatar, Yemen, Korea, the Arab League, Egypt,
and OPEP Funds. Negotiations are underway for investment treaties with
South Africa and Malaysia.

## Conversion and Transfer Policies [**Return to top**](#chapter-6-investment-climate)

[]{#thirtytwo .anchor}There are no legal or policy restrictions on
converting or transferring funds associated with an investment. Each
investor is guaranteed the free transfer of convertible currencies at a
legal market rate, subject to the availability of such currencies.
Similarly, foreigners working in Mauritania are guaranteed the prompt
transfer of their professional salaries (Art. 5.2).

The local currency, the ouguiya, is freely convertible within Mauritania
but its exportation is not legally authorized. Hard currencies can be
easily found either in commercial banks or in parallel markets. The
exchange rate gap between the two markets closed considerably in 2006,
from nearly 12 ouguiya in January 2006 to about five ouguiya in February
2007, due to the monetary policy implemented by the Central Bank in
2006.

Hard currency is now available in commercial banks. The Central Bank,
the Ministry of Fisheries, and the Ministry of Economy and Finance
decided that fish export revenues collected from fishing licenses must
be deposited in local primary banks instead of the Central Bank. Only 50
percent of SMCP (Société Mauritanienne de Commercialisation de Poisson)
receipts in foreign exchange can be transferred to the Central Bank.
This measure allows for the availability of foreign exchange deposits in
the commercial banks. As a result, individuals and companies can easily
obtain hard currencies through their banks for the payment of purchases
or the repatriation of their dividends, as long as these transactions
are legally justified.

Other important measures that the Central Bank introduced in 2006
include the signature of agreements with European banks to allow the
transfer of funds of foreign investors in the country and the
authorization to open bank accounts in hard currencies for both
Mauritanians and foreigners. Foreigners may repatriate their assets in
hard currency directly from their local bank account to their foreign
bank account, or through a third-country bank. This measure has
simplified foreign payments and money transfers.

## Expropriation and Compensation [**Return to top**](#chapter-6-investment-climate)

[]{#thirtythree .anchor}The Investment Code ensures that if the
Government expropriates private property, it will provide appropriate
and prompt compensation, exempt from duties and taxes (Art. 4 and
5.1.c). There are no cases of expropriation currently in Mauritania.
Only one government expropriation has occurred since independence: the
takeover of the French mining company, MIFERMA, in November 1974.
Compensation was paid by mutual agreement between the two parties. In
2003, the Mauritanian government annulled a major contract with a
British company, covering national petroleum supplies and management of
storage and refining facilities in Nouadibou. Again, compensation was
negotiated and paid by mutual agreement between the two parties. The
Civil Code, in addition to the Mining and Fishing Codes, determines
ownership in all sectors of the economy.

## Dispute Settlement [**Return to top**](#chapter-6-investment-climate)

[]{#thirtyfour .anchor}The only recent dispute settlement between the
Government and a foreign investor occurred in February 2006. The dispute
occurred between the Government and Woodside Energy, Ltd., over four
amendments to the original Production Sharing Contract (PSC) that dealt
with oil revenues and environmental issues. This dispute was settled
when Woodside agreed to cancel the four amendments, pay USD 100 million,
and set up an environmental fund fifteen days after the signature of a
new PSC.

Disputes between individuals or legal entities and the Government
related to the Investment Code are settled by an arbitration process to
which both parties have agreed, and in accordance with the following
agreements (Art. 7.2 of the investment code):

\-- The 1965 Convention on the Settlement of Disputes Related to
Investments Between States and Nationals of Other States, also known as
the Washington Convention

\-- The 1958 New York Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of
Foreign Arbitral Awards

\-- Other agreements and treaties that have been concluded between the
government and the state of the concerned individual or legal entity and
which address the protection of investments

Absent other arrangements between the parties, an ad-hoc arbitration
court will be set up in accordance with the rules of arbitration of the
United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (Art. 7.2.c. of the
investment code). Official mechanisms for enforcing property and
contractual rights are Ordinance no. 89-126 creating the Contracts and
Obligations Code; Law no. 99-035 creating the Civil, Commercial and
Administrative procedure Code; and Law no. 2000-06 creating the
Arbitration Code.

The country has a Commercial Code and related civil laws, but
application and enforcement remain limited. The country does not have
bankruptcy laws. The government accepts binding international
arbitration of investment disputes between foreign investors and
government authorities. In addition, there are domestic mechanisms for
arbitration, both through traditional religious institutions and through
the courts.

## Performance Requirements and Incentives [**Return to top**](#chapter-6-investment-climate)

Mauritania is in a transitional stage with respect to the application of
its WTO commitments. The Government offers tax benefits, including
exemptions in some instances, to enterprises in the priority sectors
listed in its Investment Code. In the case of imported \"dumped\" goods
deemed to be competing unfairly with a priority enterprise, the
Government will respond to industry requests for tariff surcharges, thus
providing some potential protection from competition. The Government is
often willing to provide free land for industrial and farming
investments.

There are no performance requirements beyond those that might be
indicated in individual investment agreements and no requirements for
local financing. There are some rules governing the percentage of host
country nationals employed, but the Government is flexible on this
point. Industrial fishing crews are encouraged to have an average of
five Mauritanian crewmembers per vessel. Foreign firms are encouraged to
participate in government-financed research and development programs.

## Right to Private Ownership and Establishment [**Return to top**](#chapter-6-investment-climate)

[]{#thirtynine .anchor}Mauritania guarantees any individual or legal
entity wishing to undertake business activities on its territory the
freedom of establishment in accordance with the laws and regulations in
force (Art. 3.1). Private entities may freely establish and own business
enterprises and engage in all forms of remunerative activity.
Privatization and liberalization programs have also helped put private
enterprises on an equal footing with respect to access to markets and
credit.

## Protection of Property Rights [**Return to top**](#chapter-6-investment-climate)

[]{#forty .anchor}Property rights are protected under the Mauritanian
Civil Code, which is modeled on the French Code. However, biased
application of the law by the Mauritanian judiciary has been a problem
for some local companies. In practice, it can be difficult to gain
redress of grievances through the courts. There is a well-developed
system of property registration in land and real estate. The \"Direction
des Domaines\" at the Ministry of Economy and Finance is developing a
system to protect land and property rights.

## Transparency of Regulatory System [**Return to top**](#chapter-6-investment-climate)

[]{#fortyone .anchor}Privatization and liberalization have been underway
since 1994. In the process, the Government has adopted laws that
discourage anti-competitive practices and that authorize the creation of
consumer interest groups. In 1999 the Government created the \"Autorité
de Regulation,\" an agency charged with overseeing the privatization
process and using transparent policies and laws to foster competition
thorough the bid process. There are no laws or policies in force that
impede foreign investment in Mauritania.

Private sector associations exist and their laws and regulations do not
discriminate against foreign investment.

On February 22, 2006, the Government officially adopted the Extractive
Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) in order to increase
transparency in the use of revenues drawn from the mining and petroleum
industries. As noted earlier, the Government established the Mauritanian
Investment Window (\"Guichet Unique\") in 1997 in order to streamline
bureaucratic procedures for investment. This office has since been
renamed the Consolidated Investments Office, and its services have been
expanded. As a result, transparency has increased and bureaucratic
procedures have been reduced.

## Efficient Capital Markets and Portfolio Investment [**Return to top**](#chapter-6-investment-climate)

[]{#fortytwo .anchor}Government policies encourage, in principle, the
free flow of financial resources. There are no restrictions on access by
foreign investors. Most foreign investors, however, prefer external
financing, due to the high interest rates and procedural complexities
that prevail locally. Credit is often difficult to obtain and dependent
on special relationships with bank owners and officials. Capital assets
of the largest banks are estimated at about USD seven million. Credit is
quite restrictive, and the extent of bad loans is accordingly quite
limited. The government has emphasized banking sector reform.
Considerable restructuring has occurred and, with computerization,
banking management has improved steadily since 2004. Both the accounting
system and regulations covering investments are based on the French
model. Nevertheless, deficiencies persist in the enforcement of laws and
regulations.

During December 2006, the Council of Ministers gave the Central Bank
increased authority to monitor the stability of financial systems and to
help the government carry out its economic policy. Since January 2007,
the Central Bank is now subject to an external audit in addition to its
own internal audit. The Governor of the Bank will be held responsible by
the Government for the annual balance sheet.

There is no stock market or other public trading of shares in
Mauritanian companies. Individual proprietors, family groups, and
partnerships generally hold companies. Outsiders cannot freely buy into
them and portfolio investment is limited.

## Political Violence [**Return to top**](#chapter-6-investment-climate)

Mauritania returned to civilian rule on April 19, 2007 following a
transition period that began with a coup d\'état in August 2005.
Legislative elections were held in November and December 2006, followed
by presidential elections in March 2007. Political parties and
international observers considered these elections free and fair and
there was no political violence associated with them. A high-level of
U.S. delegation attended the President's inauguration in April as a
testament of the U.S. Government's support for the country's transition
to a democratically elected government.

[]{#fortythree .anchor}The coup d'état did not provoke any incidents of
violence and normal economic activity resumed the following day. There
has been no political violence against foreigners or economic
installations during the past two years. Mauritania continues to
maintain good relations with its neighbors Senegal, Mali, Algeria and
Morocco.

## Corruption [**Return to top**](#chapter-6-investment-climate)

[]{#fortyfour .anchor}Corrupt practices are widely believed to exist at
all levels of Mauritanian government and society. Wealthy business
groups and government officials reportedly receive frequent favors from
authorities, such as unauthorized exemption from taxes, special grants
of land, and favorable treatment in bidding on government projects.
Mauritanian and non-Mauritanian employees at every level and in every
organization are believed to flout Mauritanian tax laws and filing
requirements. The only exceptions are the employees of the Mauritanian
government, whose income taxes are automatically deducted from their
pay. This widespread corruption deprives the central government of a
significant source of revenue, weakening the capacity of the Government
to provide necessary services.

Anti-corruption measures exist, but they have not been effectively
enforced. Although the new government has subscribed to a broad good
governance program, giving or accepting bribes is still not considered a
criminal act under current Mauritanian law. Mauritania is not a
signatory to the OECD Convention on Combating Bribery. Corruption is
most pervasive in government procurement, bank loans, fishing license
attribution, land distribution, and tax payments.

There is no systematic annual auditing of government accounts. However,
the government has rectified previously misreported data and completed
other transparency measures, such as publishing quarterly financial
statements and placing them on a government website
([www.tresor.mr](http://www.tresor.mr/)). The only international
organization for transparency that operates in Mauritania is the
Swiss-based Société Générale de Surveillance (SGS), which is confined to
the inspection of imports.

## Bilateral Investment Agreements [**Return to top**](#chapter-6-investment-climate)

[]{#fortyfive .anchor}Mauritania has bilateral investment agreements and
investment protection with member countries of the Arab Maghreb Union
(Algeria, Libya, Morocco and Tunisia), as well as with Saudi Arabia,
France, Belgium, and Romania. In addition, Mauritania is a signatory to
the Cotonou Agreement between the European Union (EU) and the group of
African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) countries, and thus enjoys free
access to the EU market. As a least-developed country, Mauritania
benefits from duty-free access to the European market under the
Everything-But-Arms initiative. Since 1987, the Government has signed
four fisheries agreements with the European Union, the most recent
covering the period August 2006 -- July 2012. Mauritania has no
bilateral investment or taxation treaties with the United States.

## OPIC and Other Investment Insurance Programs [**Return to top**](#chapter-6-investment-climate)

[]{#fortysix .anchor}Mauritania currently qualifies for OPIC coverage,
but its program is very limited. Potential investors should contact OPIC
directly for guidance. A British-Mauritanian insurance company \--
Atlantic Londongate \-- offers broad commercial coverage. As noted
earlier, Mauritania is a member of the Multilateral Investment Guarantee
Agency (MIGA). The estimated annual U.S. dollar value of local currency
used by the Embassy is USD 9.7 million. The Embassy purchases the local
currency at an official rate of 271 ouguiya for one dollar.

## Labor [**Return to top**](#chapter-6-investment-climate) 

There is a shortage of skilled workers and well-trained
technical/managerial personnel in most sectors of the economy. The
mining sector is an exception. Professional training centers exist in
major cities of the country. Any company or government agency interested
in improving its employees' skills can do so. Mauritania's population is
quite young, with 64 percent of its citizens under the age of 25.
Government sources estimate that unemployment for males over 18 runs as
high as 33 percent. There are unrealistically high expectations of
employment in the nascent petroleum sector, where the leading company,
Woodside (Australia), is making an effort to train and use local
personnel.

Mauritania is a signatory to the ILO Convention. In October 2004, the
Government updated the Labor Code to conform with 2004 ILO Conventions
138 and 182. It has organized a forum on labor laws and has worked with
UNICEF on a survey of two major cities (Nouakchott and Kiffa). In
November 2005, the U.S. Department of Labor organized a forum on basic
workers' rights and distributed the newly approved Labor Code issued by
Law no. 017/2004 in July 2004. The 2004 law overrides the original code
from 1963. The new government has taken steps to reduce unemployment.
The National Agency for the Promotion of the Employment of Young Adults
was created in order to help new graduates find their first job. In
2006, this agency accepted over 15,000 applications.

## Foreign-Trade Zones / Free Ports [**Return to top**](#chapter-6-investment-climate)

[]{#fortyeight .anchor}There are no duty-free import zones. However, the
current investment code has introduced a Duty-Free Points Regime
(\"Regime des Points Francs ou Incitations à l\'Exportation\") for the
exclusive use of designated exporting companies to encourage exports.
The following are eligible for the Duty-Free Point Regime (Art. 8):

\-- Production activities and provision of services intended exclusively
for exportation

\-- Activities intended indirectly for exportation through the complete
and exclusive sale of goods or services to enterprises, which export
directly

The Duty-Free Points consist of facilities where such activities are
carried. They are placed under the control of the Customs Administration
(Art 8.2). Companies under the Duty-Free Points Regime are exempt from
any export duties and taxes (Art. 9).

## Foreign Direct Investment Statistics [**Return to top**](#chapter-6-investment-climate)

[]{#fdi .anchor}Up--to-date data on foreign investment is not available,
except for the hydrocarbon and telecommunications sectors. Mauritania is
reported to have received about USD 1.4 billion in foreign direct
investment between 2003 and 2006. The major areas of investment in 2006
were exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbon deposits and other
minerals such as iron and gold, telecommunications (GSM licenses), and
construction.

Foreign private investors in Mauritania include the following:

[LOCAL AFFILIATE]{.underline} [FOREIGN PARENT]{.underline}
[NATIONALITY]{.underline}

AGS AGS France France

CGA N/A Japan

Grands Domaines N/A France

de Mauritanie

Mercure Hotel Accor Group France

NOVOTEL Hotel Accor Group France

ORYX-Mauritanie ADDAX & Oryx Switzerland

SIPECO Ifafood France

MAFCI N/A France

SODIAP Potarg Ireland

Famo-Mauritanie N/A Switzerland

Rex Diamond Belgique Rex Diamond Belgium

M.C.P. CNF China

DHL DHL Germany

Mattel Tunisie Telecom Tunisia

Mauritel Mobiles Maroc Telecom Morocco

TOTAL-Mauritanie TOTAL Oil France

SMP Atlas Atlas Morocco

Grands Moulins ACODIS France

de Mauritanie

NAFTEC NAFTAL Algeria

Woodside-Mauritania Woodside Resources Australia

Dana Petroleum Dana Petroleum Scotland

Maersk Maersk Denmark

B.H.P. B.H.P. Minerals Australia

SOGECO SAGA Group France

UPS UPS U.S.A.

CODIMEX TOYOTA Japan

SGS - Mauritanie SGS Switzerland

Sinergie Sinergie-Belgique Belgium

Thani Investment Thani Investment UAE

Dia Met Minerals Dia Met Minerals South Africa

Schenker Schenker Germany

Wintershall Wintershall Germany

Ashton West Africa Ltd. Rio Tinto United Kingdom

Sphere Investments Sphere Investments Australia

Mauritanian First Quantum Canada

Copper Mines (M.C.M.)

Tasiast Mauritanie Ltd. Defiance Mining Canada

Banque Internationale Société Générale France

Investissement des Banques

BNP-Paribas Mauritanie BNP-Paribas France

Repsol-Mauritanie Repsol Spain

Wadi Al Rawda Wadi Al Rawda UAE

CNPC International CNPC China

Mauritania Ltd.

Premier Oil Premier Oil United Kingdom

Sterling Energy Sterling Energy United Kingdom

Chinguitel Sudatel Sudan

Burns Trading Burns Trading Australia

Nanton International Nanton International Spain

EL Aouj, S.A. Sphere Investment Australia

Peaks Metals Peaks Metals Qatar

Triton SNB Mines, Ltd. Triton SNB Mines Australia

Medis Belgium Medis Belgium Belgium

## Web Resources [**Return to top**](#chapter-6-investment-climate)

Government of Mauritania: [www.mauritania.mr](http://www.mauritania.mr/)

National Statistics Office: [www.ons.mr](http://www.ons.mr/)

[[]{#ch7 .anchor}Return to table of contents](#toc)

# Chapter 7: Trade and Project Financing

-   [Methods of Payment](#methods-of-payment-return-to-top)

-   [Banking System Operation](#banking-system-operation-return-to-top)

-   [Foreign-Exchange
    Controls](#foreign-exchange-controls-return-to-top)

-   [U.S. Banks and Local Correspondent
    Banks](#u.s.-banks-and-local-correspondent-banks-return-to-top)

-   [Project Financing](#project-financing-return-to-top)

-   [Web Resources](#fiftynine)

## Methods of Payment [**Return to top**](#ch7)

Most Mauritanian importers finance their transactions through
irrevocable and confirmed letters of credit issued by local banks. The
bank transfer system is also used when necessary, but this process can
cause delays and is subject to the availability of foreign exchange in
the bank of the importer. Some Mauritanian importers hold bank accounts
abroad (France, Spain, Switzerland, or other Arab countries), allowing
them to pay for their goods without involving local banks. Since the
exchange system was liberalized, most small-scale imports are now paid
for in cash and the foreign exchange is then converted in exchange
offices or the parallel market. There are no credit-rating or collection
agencies in Mauritania.

## Banking System Operation [**Return to top**](#ch7)

With only nine commercial banks, six insurance companies, three credit
agencies, and one leasing company, Mauritania's financial sector remains
underdeveloped. The banking sector was originally modeled on the French
system. However, it has now been restructured and privatized and the
Government has sold its equity stake in the commercial banks and
insurance companies. Consequently, banks have considerably increased
their capital and instituted stricter management controls. They have
also begun to receive more customer deposits and to make more rational
credit decisions. The Central Bank remains the banking regulatory
agency. It controls interest rates, sets commercial bank reserve
requirements, and is charged with financial and credit management. The
Deputy Governor is the president of the Banking Commission and is in
charge of banking system controls.

The banks' financial statements are in compliance with international
standards and are audited annually by local accounting firms. In
practice, the major shareholders of banks tend to hold a large share of
the loans, foreign currency, and other banking resources for their own
private affairs, often to the exclusion of others. In response, the
Government encourages the creation of popular savings and loan
institutions to diversify the financial sector and to provide
opportunities for people with small accounts. Foreign investors are
still encouraged to obtain loans and financing outside of Mauritania.
Société Générale (France) is the only private European bank that grants
loans, often with significant restrictions. Another French bank is
expected to open in mid-2007.

## Foreign-Exchange Controls [**Return to top**](#ch7)

There are no formal restrictions on transfers of profits or repatriation
of capital, royalties, or service fees, provided that the investments
were authorized and transfers made through approved banks or exchange
offices. The authority to buy and sell foreign exchange has been
delegated to the commercial banks and exchange offices. They normally
carry out transactions upon presentation of the appropriate
documentation, such as invoices for imports and customs documents. The
Government is currently working to combat the parallel market for
foreign currency, where the exchange often differs by three to five
ouguiya per dollar from the official market rate. This disparity has
been declining since September 2005 when it differed by 20 ouguiya per
dollar.

## U.S. Banks and Local Correspondent Banks [**Return to top**](#ch7)

There are no U.S. banks in Mauritania. However, almost all commercial
banks have correspondence with U.S. banks. The following local
commercial banks work with U.S. Banks:

Société Générale de Mauritanie

Tel: (222) 529-7000

Fax : (222) 524-5300

Website : www.socgen.com

Deals with several U.S. banks located in Europe, Africa, and South
America.

Banque Mauritanienne pour le Commerce International (BMCI)

B.P. 622

Nouakchott, Mauritanie

Tel: (222) 525-4349, 525-4350, or 525-4351

Fax: (222) 525-2045

Mr. Moulaye Abass, President

U.S. correspondent: American Express Bank

Banque Nationale de Mauritanie (BNM)

B.P. 614

Nouakchott, Mauritanie

Tel: (222) 525-2602 or 525-2707

Fax: (222) 525-33-97

Mr. Mohamed Ould Noueigued, President

U.S. correspondent: Bank of America

Banque Al Baraka Mauritanienne Islamique (BAMIS)

B.P. 650

Nouakchott, Mauritanie

Tel: (222) 525-1424 or 525-2266

Fax: (222) 525-1621

Mr. Mohamed Ould Taya, General Manager

U.S. correspondent: Arab-American Bank of New York

Générale de Banque de Mauritanie (G.B.M.)

B.P. 5558

Nouakchott, Mauritanie

Tel: (222) 525-3636

Fax: (222) 525-4647

Mr. Mohamed Ould Bouamatou, President

U.S. correspondent: Citibank

Banque pour le Commerce et l\'Industrie (B.C.I.)

Avenue Gamal Abdel Nasser, no.120

Nouakchott, Mauritanie

Tel: (222) 529-2876

Fax: (222) 529-2877

Mr. Isselmou Ould Tajidine, President

U.S. correspondent: Citibank

## Project Financing [**Return to top**](#ch7)

Multilateral development banks (World Bank, African Development Bank,
Islamic Development Bank) provide strong support for projects focused on
health, education, infrastructure development, and drinking water
supply. Projects financed for 2007 and 2008 include urban development
and infrastructure (road construction and repair, school and health unit
construction, government facilities renovation), drinking water supply,
and environmental protection. In addition, aid from the European Union,
Japan, and Germany financed important projects related to drinking water
supply and rural development.

## Web Resources [**Return to top**](#ch7)

Export-Import Bank of the United States:
[www.exim.gov](http://www.exim.gov/)

Country Limitation Schedule:
[www.exim.gov/tools/country/country_limits.html](http://www.exim.gov/tools/country/country_limits.html)

OPIC: [www.opic.gov](http://www.opic.gov/)

Trade and Development Agency: [www.tda.gov/](http://www.tda.gov/)

SBA\'s Office of International Trade:
[www.sba.gov/oit/](http://www.sba.gov/oit/)

USDA Commodity Credit Corporation:
[www.fsa.usda.gov/ccc/default.htm](http://www.fsa.usda.gov/ccc/default.htm)

U.S. Agency for International Development:
[www.usaid.gov](http://www.usaid.gov/)

World Bank: [www.worldbank.org](http://www.worldbank.org/)

IMF: [www.imf.org](http://www.imf.org/)

[[]{#ch8 .anchor}Return to table of contents](#toc)

# Chapter 8: Business Travel

-   [Business Customs](#business-customs-return-to-top)

-   [Travel Advisory](#travel-advisory-return-to-top)

-   [Visa Requirements](#visa-requirements-return-to-top)

-   [Telecommunications](#telecommunications-return-to-top)

-   [Transportation](#transportation-return-to-top)

-   [Language](#language-return-to-top)

-   [Health](#health-return-to-top)

-   [Local Time, Business Hours, and
    Holidays](#local-time-business-hours-and-holidays-return-to-top)

-   [Temporary Entry of Materials and Personal
    Belongings](#temporary-entry-of-materials-and-personal-belongings-return-to-top)

-   [Web Resources](#web-resources-return-to-top-3)

## Business Customs [**Return to top**](#ch8)

Mauritania is a Muslim country and the consumption of alcohol and pork
is forbidden for Mauritanians. The most important characteristic of
Mauritanian business practices is courtesy. A handshake is customary
upon initiating and closing a business meeting. Occasionally, one may
encounter a conservative who will not shake hands with a person of the
opposite sex, so it is preferable to wait for a cue from him or her. A
polite Mauritanian will ask you several times, possibly in different
ways, how you are. Business encounters should begin with a substantial
period of small talk or repartee to make the Mauritanian feel at ease.

Rank and protocol are important to Mauritanians, and they often
(mistakenly or not) believe that they need to work directly with a CEO
to make business happen. Business discussions in hotel conference rooms
are appreciated. Mauritanians are in general hospitable; they often
offer a dinner of mechoui (grilled lamb) to their business partners and
visitors, and would expect to be treated similarly when they are in the
United States. Meals are never shared on a "Dutch treat" basis. Giving
and receiving gifts is a common Mauritanian tradition. It is an honor
for Mauritanians to give a gift to their guests as a "souvenir du pays".

## Travel Advisory [**Return to top**](#ch8)

Although Mauritania is a relatively safe environment, visitors are
encouraged to register at the consular section upon arrival and/or
consult the Department of State\'s web site at http://travel.state.gov
for general and country-specific travel information. To enter
Mauritania, record of a yellow fever vaccination must be noted on a WHO
card. Malaria is prevalent in the south, and malaria prophylaxis
(mefloquine) is recommended.

## Visa Requirements [**Return to top**](#ch8)

Visas are required for all U.S. citizens seeking to travel to
Mauritania. Applications should be sent to the Mauritanian Embassy in
Washington, DC:

2129 Leroy Place, NW

Washington, DC 20008

Tel: (202) 232-5700

U.S. Companies that require the travel of foreign businesspersons to the
United States should be advised that security clearances are handled via
an interagency process. Visa applicants should go to the following
links.

State Department Visa Website: <http://travel.state.gov/visa/index.html>

United States Visas.gov: <http://www.unitedstatesvisas.gov/>

Mauritanian Embassy website:
[http://www.mauritania.usembassy.gov](http://www.mauritania.usembassy.gov/)

## Telecommunications [**Return to top**](#ch8)

The telecommunications system has undergone considerable modernization
and expansion in recent years. Following an initial liberalization
beginning in 1999, Mauritania\'s telecommunications sector now consists
of four companies:

\-- Mauritel S.A., the original national telephone company, now
majority-owned by Maroc Telecom, which retains a monopoly over land
lines and international calls

\-- Mauritel Mobile, a Mauritanian-Moroccan joint venture, provides GSM
mobile phone services

\-- Mattel, a Mauritanian-Tunisian firm, provides a competing GSM mobile
network

\-- Chinguitel, a newly created Mauritanian-Sudanese firm, provides a
GSM mobile network

Liberalization and the introduction of mobile phones in Mauritania have
permitted dramatic improvements in quality and coverage as they have
elsewhere in Africa. Teledensity rose from 0.5 to 20 per 100 people
between 1999 and 2006 thanks to the rapid growth of GSM mobile
subscribers. While Mauritel S.A. (fixed lines) has about 40,000
customers, Mauritel Mobile and Mattel have 500,000 and 400,000
subscribers respectively. However, dual subscription is common because
the interconnect rates between the two networks are very high. The
mobile phone companies also service several localities outside of
Nouakchott. Since 2006, GSM services have become available in more
remote areas of the country, but network problems still exist. Mauritel
S.A., along with Top Technology, is the main Internet service provider.
Its internet network (thanks in part to technology supplied in 1995 by
Harris Corporation of the U.S.) extends to the 12 regional capitals,
with international links via France Telecom, Maroc Telecom and
Germany\'s Intelsat. In urban areas, both demand and access fees for
internet access are high, and the capacity of the few local ISPs is
stretched to the limit.

In June 2004, the Mauritanian Government took another major step toward
liberalization by opening up internet service and international calls to
competition, and by granting additional mobile phone licenses.
Mauritanian companies are actively seeking U.S. partners to take
advantage of the opportunities generated by new information and
communications technologies.

## Transportation [**Return to top**](#ch8)

**Air transportation infrastructure**:

Mauritania has one airline company, the recently privatized Air
Mauritanie, which provides regular flights between Nouakchott and
Nouadibou, Casablanca, Paris, Las Palmas, Bamako, Dakar, and down the
west coast of Africa as far as Cotonou. Nouakchott receives six weekly
flights by Air France, five by Royal Air Maroc, three by Tunis Air, two
by Air Senegal, and one by Air Algérie.

Nominally, Mauritania has four international airports, but only
Nouakchott serves a wide spectrum of destinations. The Nouadibou airport
is linked only to Las Palmas, while the airport in Atar receives only
seasonal tourist charter flights from Europe. The airport in Nema, also
a potential tourist destination, is not currently open to international
flights. Secondary airports were upgraded in 2005 and there is a plan to
build a new international airport in Nouakchott, where the existing
terminal poses safety and security concerns.

**Road conditions:**

The quantity and quality of roads leaves much to be desired,
particularly in the interior of the country. The country\'s size and
climatic conditions make maintenance and travel particularly difficult.
In 2006, the total road network was estimated at 11,000 km, of which
only 4,500 km were paved. There is also a 670 km railway for the
transport of SNIM\'s iron ore from Zouérate to the port of Nouadibou.
All other goods are distributed in country by trucks or planes. The road
density is about 1.2 km per 100 km^2^, compared to 3 km for ECOWAS
countries and almost 5 km for Sub-Saharan Africa as a whole. The
\"Entreprise Nationale de l\'Entretien Routier\" (ENER), which is the
government agency in charge of road maintenance and repair, is doing its
best to protect roads from sand invasion.

**Maritime transportation:**

Mauritania has two major seaports. The Chinese-built deep-water port in
Nouakchott, completed in 1986, has a capacity of about 1.5 million
metric tons a year. Known as the \"Port of Friendship" is the country\'s
main commercial port and receives about 90 percent of the country\'s
imported goods. It frequently receives ships from Europe, Asia, and
occasionally the United States. There is no regular shipping service to
the U.S., however, and this is a major impediment to the growth of
U.S.-Mauritania trade. Maersk Lines does have fairly rapid service to
the U.S., although goods must be transited via Algeciras (Spain), Las
Palmas, or Dakar. On April 28, 2005, the Danish company Nordana Line
opened a maritime line linking the ports of Houston and Savannah to the
port of Nouakchott. The representative of Nordana Line in Nouakchott
hopes that this new maritime line will foster trade between the U.S. and
Mauritania, but its activities remain limited.

Mauritania\'s second major seaport, located in the north in the
country's \"economic capital\" of Nouadibou, contains a number of
specialized wharfs, two of which are dedicated to traditional and
industrial fishing, one to regular commerce, and another to SNIM\'s
massive iron exports. In 2003, Mauritania received 45 million euros from
the European Development Fund to upgrade and extend SNIM\'s minerals
wharf, which is vital to the Mauritanian economy. SNIM\'s wharf now has
the capacity to receive the biggest ships to carry its iron to Europe.
There is also another port, which includes major storage facilities,
devoted to offloading petroleum products destined for the iron and
fishing industries. The Government plans to build a fourth deepwater
quay at the main commercial port that would accommodate ships with up to
12-meter drafts. There are also plans to remove the more than 100
abandoned boats that litter the Nouadibou harbor and vicinity. The EU is
likely to finance this project

## Language [**Return to top**](#ch8)

Arabic is the official language, but international business beyond the
Arab world is often conducted in French. Product literature should be in
French, and, if possible, Arabic. The other national languages \--
Pulaar, Soninké, and Wolof \-- are widely spoken in the southern and
central regions of the country.

## Health [**Return to top**](#ch8)

There are six overcrowded government hospitals and about 22 private
clinics in Nouakchott and Nouadibou. Some clinics provide
Western-standard health services. Telephone numbers for the hospitals
and private clinics are available at the U.S. Embassy. Medicines are
sold over the counter in small drugstores in Nouakchott and Nouadibou.
Health concerns include malaria, diarrhea, hepatitis, meningitis,
typhoid fever, yellow fever, intestinal parasites, schistosomiasis,
rabies, tuberculosis, and AIDS. A yellow fever immunization is required
and record of immunization for cholera may also be required for entry.
Recommended Immunizations include hepatitis A and B, tetanus and
diphtheria (Td), polio, and typhoid. Children should be up to date on
all immunizations recommended for their age group.

## Local Time, Business Hours, and Holidays [**Return to top**](#ch8)

**Local Time:**

Mauritania is on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and does not observe Daylight
Savings.

**Business Hours:**

Businesses operate from Sunday to Thursday. Official business hours in
Mauritania are generally 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., though many people get
a late start. Walk-in hours at banks are 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The
exchange offices are open all day long from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm, and many
private shops and services are open until late into the night.

**Holidays:**

The 2007 official holidays and other days on which Government offices
and private establishments are closed are:

**Jan 1 Mon New Year\'s Day**

**Jan 15 Mon** **Martin Luther King Jr. Day, observed**

**Jan 20 Sat** *1^er^ Muharram (Muslim New Year)*

**Feb 19 Mon Presidents' Day**

**Mar 31 Sat** *Id el-Mawlud (Prophet's Birthday)*

**May 1 Tue** *Fête du Travail (Labor Day)*

**May 25 Fri** *Journée de l\'Afrique (Africa Day)*

**May 28 Mon** **Memorial Day**

**Jul 4 Wed** **Independence Day**

**Sep 3 Mon Labor Day**

**Oct 8 Mon** **Columbus Day**

**Oct 13 Sat** *Id el-Fitr (End of Ramadan)*

**Nov 12 Mon** **Veterans Day Observed**

**Nov 22 Thu Thanksgiving Day**

**Nov 28 Wed** *Fête Nationale Mauritanienne*

**Dec 20 Thu** *Id el-Adha (Tabaski)*

**Dec 25 Tue** **Christmas**

Holidays *in Italic* are local holidays and are based on the lunar
calendar. They may vary slightly from the dates published and may change
from year to year. Such holidays may also last two days, particularly Id
El-Fitr and Tabaski.

## Temporary Entry of Materials and Personal Belongings [**Return to top**](#ch8)

Personal effects, including professional equipment, that are carried by
hand or in luggage may be temporarily imported into Mauritania free of
duties and taxes under the Customs Convention on Temporary Importation
of Professional Equipment. Goods imported for exhibitions may enter
under an ATA carnet, which may be obtained from the U.S. Council of the
International Chamber of Commerce.

## Web Resources [**Return to top**](#ch8)

For general information on Mauritania:
[www.Mauritania.mr](http://www.Mauritania.mr/)

For Communications: [www.mauritel.mr](http://www.mauritel.mr/)

For maritime transportation: [www.maersk.com](http://www.maersk.com/);
[www.sogecosa.com](http://www.sogecosa.com/);
[www.mtm.mr](http://www.mtm.mr/);
[www.nordanausa.com](http://www.nordanausa.com/);
[www.nordana.com](http://www.nordana.com/);
[www.teissirshipping.com](http://www.teissirshipping.com/);

[Return to table of contents](#toc)

#   {#section-3 .unnumbered}

# 

# Chapter 9: Contacts, Market Research, and Trade Events

-   [Contacts](#contacts-return-to-top-1)

-   [Market Research](#market-research-return-to-top)

-   [Trade Events](#trade-events-return-to-top)

## Contacts [**Return to top**](#section-3)

**U.S. MISSION IN MAURITANIA**

American Embassy

2430 Nouakchott Place

Washington, DC 20521-2430

Tel: (222) 525-2660 or 525-2663

Fax: (222) 525-1592

Chargé d'Affaires:

Dennis Hankins

Consular, Economic, and Commercial Officer:

Lindsay Kiefer

## USEFUL CONTACTS IN THE UNITED STATES

\- U.S. Department of Commerce

International Trade Administration

Office of Africa, Mauritania Desk

Tel: (202) 377-4388

\- The Mauritanian Embassy

2129 Leroy Place, N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20008

Tel: (202) 232-5700

For additional information or assistance, please contact the U.S.
Department of Commerce Export Assistance Center nearest you.

## MAURITANIAN GOVERNMENT AGENCIES

Investment Promotion Office (Guichet Unique des Investissements)

Ministère de l'Economie et des Finances

B.P. 238

Nouakchott, Mauritanie

Tel: (222) 529-0435

Fax: (222) 529- 0435

E-mail: UCP@OPT.mr

Mr. Mohamed Salem Ould Abdessalam, Director

Mauritanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

B.P. 215

Nouakchott, Mauritanie

Tel: (222) 525-2214

Fax: (222) 525-3895

E-mail: chamcom.mr@caramail

Mr. Mohamedou Ould Mohamed Mahmoud, President

Customs Office

Direction Générale des Douanes

Ministère de l'Economie et des Finances

B.P. 198

Nouakchott, Mauritanie

Tel: (222) 525-1404 or 525-6302

Fax: (222) 525-6304

Direction of Mines and Geology

B.P. 199

Nouakchott, Mauritanie

Tel: (222) 525-3225

Fax: (222) 525-3225

E-mail: dmg.sigm@mauritel.mr

Mr. Wane Ibrahima Lamine, Director

National Statistics Office

B.P. 240

Nouakchott, Mauritanie

Tel: (222) 525-3070, 525-3926, or 525-5170

Regulatory Authority

Tel: (222) 529-1241

Fax: (222) 529-1279

E-mail: kerkoub@mauritel.mr

Mr. Mohamed Salem Ould Lekhal, Director

Centre d'Information Mauritanien pour le Développement Economique et
Technique (CIMDET)

B.P. 2119

Nouakchott, Mauritanie

Tel: (222) 529-2882

Fax: (222) 524-3027

Email: <cimdet@pactec.org>

Ms. Khira Mint Cheikhany, Director

Office National du Tourisme

B.P. 2884

Nouakchott, Mauritanie

Tel: (222) 529-0344

Fax: (222) 529-0528

E-mail: ont@mauritel.mr

Ms. Cissé Bent Cheikh Ould Beide, Assistant General Manager

## MAURITANIAN PRIVATE AGENCIES

Mauritanian Employers' Association

B.P. 383

Nouakchott, Mauritanie

Tel: (222) 525-2160 or 525-3301

Mr. Mohamed Ould Bouamatou, President

Mr. Seyid Ould Abdellahi, Secretary General

Mining and Industry Association

B.P. 3475

Nouakchott, Mauritanie

Tel: (222) 525-3974

Mr. Ahmed Ould Hamza, President

National Fishing Association

B.P. 43

Nouadibou, Mauritanie

Tel: (222) 574-5089

Fax: (222) 574-5430

fnp@toptechnology.mr

Mr. Mohamed Mahmoud Sidina Sadegh, Secretary General

Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development

Tel: (222) 525-9237

Fax: (222) 525-9237

## INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

World Bank

Tel: (222) 525-1017 or 529-1359

Fax: (222) 525-1334

Mr. François Rantrua, Representative

International Monetary Fund

Tel: (222) 529-7203/04

Fax: (222) 529-7057

Mr. Marc Carré, Representative

UNDP

Tel: (222) 525-2409 or 525-2411

Fax: (222) 525-2616

Ms. Carine Yenga Yenge, Chargé d'Affaires, a.i.

## AMERICAN COMPANIES AND TRADEMARKS REPRESENTED IN MAURITANIA

**1. Sub-contractors to Woodside for the development of the oil field:**

FMC Technologies

(Executive Offices)

200 E. Randolph Drive

Chicago, IL 60601

Tel: (312) 861-6000

Fax: (312) 861-6176

E-mail: corportateinfo@fmcti.com

BHI (Baker Hughes Inc.)

2929 Allen Parkway, Suite 2100

P.O. Box 4740 (77210-4740)

Houston, TX 77019

Tel: (713) 439-8600

Fax: (713) 439-8699

Baker Atlas

2001 Rankin Road

P.O. Box 1407 (77251-1407)

Houston, Texas 77073

Tel: (713) 625-4200

Fax: (713) 625-4525

Weatherford

515 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 600

Houston, TX 77027

Tel: (713) 693-4000 or (800) 257-3826

Tidewater

601 Poydras Street, Suite 1900

New Orleans, LA 70130

Tel: (800) 678-8433 or (504) 568-1010

Oceaneering ROV

931 HWY 90E

Morgan City, LA 70381

Tel: (985) 395-5247

**2. U.S. companies represented in Mauritania:**

Northeast Electronic Components, LLC

24 Merrimac Street

Amesbury, MA 01913

Tel: (978) 388-9900

Fax: (978) 388-3950

Mr. Sidi Mohamed Ould Bouyah, Rep

EVADAM Inc.

10238 Joseph Campau St.

Hamtramck, MI 48212

Tel: (313) 623-6101

Fax: (313) 584-9158

Mr. Mohamed Hedi Ramadhani, President

Harris Corporation

1025 West NASA Boulevard

Melbourne, Florida

Tel: (321) 674-4520

Fax: (321) 674-4751

Tel: (222) 525-1946

Fax: (222) 525-5494

Mr. Chighali Ould Amara, General Manager, PC PARINACOM, Partner

TELTRONICS Inc.

2150 Winfield Industries

Saratoga, FL 34243

Tel: (941) 505-9407

Fax: (941) 505-9024

Mr. Chighali Ould Amara, General Manager, PC PARINACOM, Partner

GULF Communication International

P.O. Box 060849

Palm Bay, FL

Tel: (407) 723-7973

Fax: (407) 729-0010

Mr. Chighali Ould Amara, General Manager, PC PARINACOM, Partner

Sterling Merchant Finance Ltd.

1211 Connecticut Avenue, NW

Suite 414

Washington, D.C. 20036

Tel: (202) 464-5261

Fax: (202) 785-3505

Mr. Chighali Ould Amara, General Manager, PC PARINACOM, Partner

Carson Services

952 Blooming Glen Road

Perkasie, PA 18944

Tel: (215) 249-3535

Fax: (215) 249-1352

Mr. Chighali Ould Amara, General Manager, PC PARINACOM, Partner

Booz, Allen, Hamilton

8283 Greensboro Drive

Mclean, Virginia

Tel: (703) 902-4932

Fax: (703) 917-2379

Mr. Chighali Ould Amara, General Manager, PC PARINACOM, Partner

JAVEL, Inc.

4155 Dow Road, Suite J

P.O. Box 120010

West Melbourne, FL 32912-0010

Tel: (407) 255-5597

Fax: (407) 255-4837

Mr. Chighali Ould Amara, General Manager, PC PARINACOM, Partner

**3. U.S. Trademarks represented in Mauritania**

Caterpillar

Tel: (222) 525-7456

Fax: (222) 525-7455

Mr. Bechir El Hassen, SDPA, Agent/Distributor

Dell, Echostar, Hewlett-Packard, Lanier, 3M

Tel: (222) 525-5794

Fax: (222) 525-5795

Mr. Echbih Ould Ahmed Saleck, Top Technology, Agent/Distributor

Philip Morris

Tel: (222) 525-3960

Fax: (222) 525-1159

Mr. Mohamed Ould Bouamatou, Agent/Distributor

Phyto-Riker Pharmaceuticals

Tel: (222) 525-5019

Dr. Cheikh Brahim Ould Taki, Agent/Distributor

UNISYS

Tel: (222) 525-9434

Fax: (222) 525-9025

Mr. Abdallahi El Moctar, Agent/Distributor

UPS

Tel: (222) 529-2889

Fax: (222) 525-5657

Mr. Ahmed Baba Ould Azizi, TRANSAC, Representative

Atlantic Motors

Tel: (222) 525-2740

Mr. Sid\'Ahmed Ould Abeidna, Agent/Distributor

Sources: Chamber of Commerce (CIMDET) and Embassy Commercial Section
Library.

## Market Research [**Return to top**](#section-3)

To view market research reports produced by the U.S. Commercial Service,
please visit the following website:
[http://www.export.gov/marketresearch.html](http://www.export.gov/marketresearch.html )
and click on "Country and Industry Market Reports."

Please note that these reports are only available to U.S. citizens and
U.S. companies. Registration to the site is required, but free of
charge.

## Trade Events [**Return to top**](#section-3)

Please click on the links below for information on upcoming trade
events.

<http://www.export.gov/tradeevents.html>

<http://www.buyusa.gov/westafrica>

[Return to table of contents](#toc)

# Chapter 10: Guide to Our Services

The U.S. Commercial Service offers customized solutions to help your
business enter and succeed in markets worldwide. Our global network of
trade specialists will work one-on-one with you through every step of
the exporting process, helping you to:

-   Target the best markets with our world-class research

-   Promote your products and services to qualified buyers

-   Meet the best distributors and agents for your products and services

-   Overcome potential challenges or trade barriers

For more information on the services the U.S. Commercial Service offers
U.S. businesses, please click on the link below.

<http://www.buyusa.gov/westafrica>

[Return to table of contents](#toc)

U.S. exporters seeking general export information/assistance or
country-specific commercial information should consult with their
nearest **Export Assistance Center** or the **U.S. Department of
Commerce\'s Trade Information Center** at **(800) USA-TRADE**, or go to
the following website: [http://www.export.gov]()\
\
To the best of our knowledge, the information contained in this report
is accurate as of the date published. However, **The Department of
Commerce** does not take responsibility for actions readers may take
based on the information contained herein. Readers should always conduct
their own due diligence before entering into business ventures or other
commercial arrangements. **The Department of Commerce** can assist
companies in these endeavors.