213

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

• Chapter 2: Political and Economic Environment
• Chapter 3: Selling U.S. Products and Services
• Chapter 4: Leading Sectors for U.S. Export and Investment
• Chapter 5: Trade Regulations and Standards
• Chapter 6: Investment Climate
• Chapter 7: Trade and Project Financing
• Chapter 8: Business Travel
• Chapter 9: Contacts, Market Research, and Trade Events
• Chapter 10: Guide to Our Services
Chapter 1: Doing Business in Mauritania
• Market Overview
• Market Challenges
• Market Opportunities
• Market Entry Strategy
Market Overview Return to top
• 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.
• 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
2
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
• 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
• The best market opportunities for investors are in the oil, gas, mineral, fishing
and tourism industries.
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• 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
• 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.
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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
Return to table of contents
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Chapter 3: Selling U.S. Products and Services
• Using an Agent or Distributor
• Establishing an Office
• Franchising
• Direct Marketing
• Joint Ventures/Licensing
• Selling to the Government
• Distribution and Sales Channels
• Selling Factors/Techniques
• Electronic Commerce
• Trade Promotion and Advertising
• Pricing
• Sales Service/Customer Support
• Protecting Your Intellectual Property
• Due Diligence
• Local Professional Services
• Web Resources
Using an Agent or Distributor Return to top
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
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
6
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
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
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
Government procurement is divided into three distinct categories:
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(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
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
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.
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Electronic Commerce Return to top
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
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
Fax: (222) 525-7555
Mr. Habib Ould Mahfoud, President and Managing Director
LA TRIBUNE
B.P. 6227
Tel: (222) 525-4492
Fax: (222) 525-0209
Mr. Mohamed Fall Ould Oumère, President and Managing Director
L’Eveil Hebdo
B.P. 387
Tel & Fax: (222) 525-6714
Mr. Sy Mamoudou, President and Managing Director
Nouakchott Info (private daily, Arabic and French versions)

B.P. 1905
Tel: (222) 525-0271
Fax: (222) 525-5484
Mr. Cheikhna Ould Nenni, President and Managing Director
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Le Journal
Tel: (222) 630-5339
Mr. Yedaly Fall, Managing Director
L'Authentique
Ilot T, Tevragh Zeina
Tel & Fax: (222) 525-9962
Mobile: (222) 630-3648 or 651-2130
Mr. Oumar Ould Moctar, Director
L'ESSOR
B.P. 5310
Tel: (222) 529-1983
Fax: (222) 525-0407
E-mail: lessorjournal@yahoo.com
Mr. Sidi El Moctar Cheiguer, Director
Pricing Return to top
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
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
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).
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Local Professional Services Return to top
Links to local service providers are not available. Below is a list of prominent
professional organizations.
Mauritanian Employers Association

B.P. 383
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
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
SNIM: www.snim.com
Centre d’Information Mauritanien pour le Développement Economique et Technique

(CIMDET): www.cimdet.mr
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Chapter 4: Leading Sectors for U.S. Export and
Investment
Mining
Overview Return to top
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
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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
Best prospects and services in this sector include:

• Excavators
13
• 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
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
• Government Agencies:
Ministry of Mines and Industry

B.P. 199
Tel: (222) 525-3083
Fax: (222) 525-6937
E-mail: mmi@mauritania.mr
Mr. Mohamed Ali Ould Sidi Mohamed, Minister
SNIM
B.P. 42
Tel: (222) 574-5174
Fax: (222) 574-5396
Internet: www.snim.com
Mr. Mohamed Ali Ould Sidi Mohamed, General Manager
SNIM's Office in France

7, rue du 4 septembre
14
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
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
Tel: (222) 525-0304 and 525-8234
Fax: (222) 525-6955
Mr. Ahmed Ould Hamza, President
Fishing
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
15
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.
16
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
The best prospects include:
• Modern fishing equipment

• Boat repair plants
• Fish conservation and packaging techniques
• Ventures in fish processing, technology, and infrastructure
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.
Ministry of Fisheries and Maritime Economy

Tel: (222) 525-4607
Fax: (222) 525-9970
Mr. Assane Soumare, Minister

Tel: (222) 574-5089 or 574-5916
Fax: (222) 574-5430
E-mail: fnp@toptechnology.mr
Fish Products Promotion Office

Tel : (222) 529-3059
E-mail: dppp.mpem@mauritania.mr
17
Offshore Petroleum
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
18
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
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.
19
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.
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
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
20
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.
21
Chapter 5: Trade Regulations and Standards
• Import Tariffs
• Trade Barriers
• Import Requirements and Documentation
• U.S. Export Controls
• Temporary Entry
• Labeling and Marking Requirements
• Prohibited and Restricted Imports
• Customs Regulations and Contact Information
• Standards
• Trade Agreements
• Web Resources
Import Tariffs Return to top
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
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
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
22
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
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
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
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
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:
23
Customs Office
B.P. 198
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
• Overview
• Standards Organizations
• Conformity Assessment and Testing
• Product Certification
• Accreditation
• Publication of Technical Regulations
• Labeling and Marking
• Contacts
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
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/
24
Conformity Assessment/Testing 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Tel: (222) 529-0345
Fax: (222) 529-1290
25
Mr. Mohamed Salem Ould Abdessalam, Director
Direction de l'Industrie
Ministère du Pétrole et des Mines
B.P. 387
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
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
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
E-mail: fnpndb@mauritel.mr
26
Chapter 6: Investment Climate
• Openness to Foreign Investment
• Conversion and Transfer Policies
• Expropriation and Compensation
• Dispute Settlement
• Performance Requirements and Incentives
• Right to Private Ownership and Establishment
• Protection of Property Rights
• Transparency of Regulatory System
• Efficient Capital Markets and Portfolio Investment
• Political Violence
• Corruption
• Bilateral Investment Agreements
• OPIC and Other Investment Insurance Programs
• Labor
• Foreign-Trade Zones/Free Ports
• Foreign Direct Investment Statistics
• Web Resources
Openness to Foreign Investment Return to top
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
27
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.
28
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
29
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
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
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
30
addition to the Mining and Fishing Codes, determines ownership in all sectors of the
economy.
Dispute Settlement Return to top
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
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.
31
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
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
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
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.
32
Efficient Capital Markets and Portfolio Investment Return to top
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
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.
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
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
33
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). 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
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
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
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
34
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
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
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 FOREIGN PARENT NATIONALITY
AGS AGS France France
CGA N/A Japan
Grands Domaines N/A France
35
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
36
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
37
Government of Mauritania: www.mauritania.mr
National Statistics Office: www.ons.mr
38
Chapter 7: Trade and Project Financing
• Methods of Payment
• Banking System Operation
• Foreign-Exchange Controls
• U.S. Banks and Local Correspondent Banks
• Project Financing
• Web Resources
Methods of Payment Return to top
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
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.
39
Foreign-Exchange Controls Return to top
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
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
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
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
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
40
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
Tel: (222) 529-2876
Fax: (222) 529-2877
Mr. Isselmou Ould Tajidine, President
U.S. correspondent: Citibank
Project Financing Return to top
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.
Export-Import Bank of the United States: www.exim.gov
Country Limitation Schedule: www.exim.gov/tools/country/country_limits.html
OPIC: www.opic.gov
Trade and Development Agency: www.tda.gov/
SBA's Office of International Trade: www.sba.gov/oit/
USDA Commodity Credit Corporation: www.fsa.usda.gov/ccc/default.htm
U.S. Agency for International Development: www.usaid.gov
World Bank: www.worldbank.org
IMF: www.imf.org
41
Chapter 8: Business Travel
• Business Customs
• Travel Advisory
• Visa Requirements
• Telecommunications
• Transportation
• Language
• Health
• Local Time, Business Hours, and Holidays
• Temporary Entry of Materials and Personal Belongings
• Web Resources
Business Customs Return to top
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
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
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
42
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
Telecommunications Return to top
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.
43
partners to take advantage of the opportunities generated by new information and
communications technologies.
Transportation Return to top
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 km2, 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
44
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
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
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
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 1er Muharram (Muslim New Year)
Feb 19 Mon Presidents’ Day
Mar 31 Sat Id el-Mawlud (Prophet’s Birthday)
45
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
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.
For general information on Mauritania: www.Mauritania.mr
For Communications: www.mauritel.mr
For maritime transportation: www.maersk.com; www.sogecosa.com; www.mtm.mr;

www.nordanausa.com; www.nordana.com; www.teissirshipping.com;
46
Chapter 9: Contacts, Market Research, and
Trade Events
• Contacts
• Market Research
• Trade Events
Contacts Return to top
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
47
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
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
Tel: (222) 525-1404 or 525-6302
Fax: (222) 525-6304
Direction of Mines and Geology

B.P. 199
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
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
Tel: (222) 529-2882
Fax: (222) 524-3027
Email: cimdet@pactec.org
Ms. Khira Mint Cheikhany, Director
Office National du Tourisme
48
B.P. 2884
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
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
Tel: (222) 525-3974
Mr. Ahmed Ould Hamza, President

B.P. 43
Tel: (222) 574-5089
Fax: (222) 574-5430
fnp@toptechnology.mr
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
49
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
50
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
GULF Communication International

P.O. Box 060849
Palm Bay, FL
Tel: (407) 723-7973
Fax: (407) 729-0010
Sterling Merchant Finance Ltd.

1211 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Suite 414
Washington, D.C. 20036
Tel: (202) 464-5261
Fax: (202) 785-3505
Carson Services
952 Blooming Glen Road
Perkasie, PA 18944
Tel: (215) 249-3535
Fax: (215) 249-1352
Booz, Allen, Hamilton

8283 Greensboro Drive
Mclean, Virginia
Tel: (703) 902-4932
51
Fax: (703) 917-2379
JAVEL, Inc.
4155 Dow Road, Suite J
P.O. Box 120010
West Melbourne, FL 32912-0010
Tel: (407) 255-5597
Fax: (407) 255-4837
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.
52
Market Research Return to top
To view market research reports produced by the U.S. Commercial Service, please visit
the following website: 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
Please click on the links below for information on upcoming trade events.
http://www.export.gov/tradeevents.html
http://www.buyusa.gov/westafrica
53
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
54
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.

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Doing Business in Mauritania: A Country

Commercial Guide for U.S. Companies

• Chapter 1: Doing Business in Mauritania

Market Overview Return to top

• Mauritania forms a geographic link between North and Sub-Saharan Africa. It

• Mauritania’s external position improved in 2006 in terms of trade: exports and

• Mauritania's liberal economic policies, coupled with the advent of petroleum

Market Challenges Return to top

• Mauritania’s major challenges continue to be persistent poverty affecting nearly

• Infrastructure in the country is limited but improving. Communication problems

• Labeling on all packages and containers is required to be in Arabic or Latin

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

Market Opportunities Return to top

• Seafood is one of Mauritania’s most important exports. The Mauritanian

• Future infrastructure projects include a joint project with the Government of

• Mauritania's new investment code is intended to encourage foreign investment

Market Entry Strategy Return to top

• The Mauritanian Market is open to international exporters. It was liberalized in

Return to table of contents

Using an Agent or Distributor Return to top

Establishing an Office Return to top

Direct Marketing Return to top

Joint Ventures/Licensing Return to top

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

Selling to the Government Return to top

Government procurement is divided into three distinct categories:

(b) Procurement related to medium and small-scale projects financed jointly by

The Government's Central Procurement Board (“Commission Centrale des Marchés”),

Distribution and Sales Channels Return to top

Selling Factors/Techniques Return to top

Trade Promotion and Advertising Return to top

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

LE CALAME (Arabic and French versions)

Nouakchott Info (private daily, Arabic and French versions)

Pricing Return to top

Sales Service/Customer Support Return to top

Protecting Your Intellectual Property Return to top

Mauritanian Employers Association

Mining and Industry Association

National Fishing Association

Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development

Web Resources Return to top

Centre d’Information Mauritanien pour le Développement Economique et Technique

Return to table of contents

Overview Return to top

2005 2006 2007 (estimated)

Best Products/Services Return to top

Best prospects and services in this sector include:

Opportunities Return to top

Resources Return to top

Ministry of Mines and Industry

SNIM's Office in France

Direction of Mines and Geology

Projet de Renforcement Institutionnel du Secteur Minier

Mining Cadastre Unit

Industry and Mining Association

Overview Return to top

2005 2006 2007 (estimated)

The Mauritanian government has encouraged onshore fish processing to increase

Best Prospects/Services Return to top

The best prospects include:

• Modern fishing equipment

Opportunities Return to top