The US-Mauritania Business Forum was inaugurated on Monday in Nouakchott, bringing together American businessmen and investors with their Mauritanian counterparts. Mauritania's Minister of Economic Affairs and Development, Dr. Abdullah Ould Suleiman Ould Sheikh Sidia, oversaw the opening ceremony. He emphasized that the visit by the American delegation presents an opportunity to closely examine the positive transformations taking place in various sectors in Mauritania and to identify the substantial opportunities available.
Minister Ould Sheikh Sidia noted that this visit allows for exchanges with decision-makers and Mauritanian businessmen, highlighting that the dispatch of the first American business mission to Mauritania marks a significant milestone in the relations between the two countries. It reflects a shared desire to elevate economic, commercial, and investment cooperation. He mentioned that Mauritania has been working to create a favorable business climate, ensure transparency, and provide protection and incentives.
The Mauritanian government, according to Minister Ould Sheikh Sidia, is implementing ambitious reforms aimed at improving the business environment and enhancing legal security for investments. He pointed out that Mauritania has a stimulating investment law for both national and foreign investments. Additionally, the country has a legal and regulatory framework to develop partnerships between the public and private sectors, a successful investment promotion agency, and enjoys security, peace, and stability.
Minister Ould Sheikh Sidia highlighted Mauritania's strategic location on the Atlantic Ocean, significant investment opportunities in high-value sectors, and an economic portfolio that includes minerals, energy, food industries, marine resources, agriculture, and livestock. He also mentioned the country's growing infrastructure, digital economy, communications, financial services, health, and education. The minister emphasized that what is most important is that Mauritania has a comprehensive vision for its development.
This vision, as described by Minister Ould Sheikh Sidia, aims to convert resources and capabilities into local added value by developing manufacturing industries, value-added chains, transferring technology and knowledge, and qualifying national competencies. He identified this as an area where cooperation with the American private sector can be particularly beneficial, given its resources, experiences, and technology.
The presence of this elite group of American companies and businessmen in Nouakchott, according to Minister Ould Sheikh Sidia, reflects growing interest in the Mauritanian market and opens the door to building practical and sustainable partnerships between the business communities in Mauritania and the US. Zaine El Abidine Ould Sheikh Ahmed, president of the National Union of Employers, welcomed the initiative, describing the timing as suitable for building successful stories that benefit investors and the economies of both countries.
Ould Sheikh Ahmed expressed confidence that the technological expertise, financial capabilities, and administrative capacities of American partnerships, when combined with the opportunities and potential provided by Mauritania, will open new avenues for fruitful cooperation. He emphasized the importance of launching quality projects capable of generating economic impact and reaffirmed the union's commitment to supporting American investors and partners, facilitating communication, and addressing challenges.
Key points
- The US-Mauritania Business Forum aims to strengthen economic ties and explore investment opportunities between the two countries.
- Mauritania is working to create a favorable business climate and has a stimulating investment law for both national and foreign investments.
- The forum brings together American businessmen and investors with their Mauritanian counterparts to build practical and sustainable partnerships.
