Moroccan businesses eye Mauritania in face of increased competition

A delegation from the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM) embarks on a mission to Mauritania on February 21 and 22. «This mission aims to promote economic and commercial relations between Morocco and Mauritania, particularly in the sectors of agriculture, agri-food, fishing, renewable energies, tourism, industry, and trade», indicates the CGEM in a press release published by MAP on Monday.

On the agenda: the organization of a new edition of the Mauritania-Morocco business-forum, in partnership with the National Union of Mauritanian Employers (UNPM).

This mission occurs as Mauritania faces increased attention from Algeria. In January 2023, Nouakchott hosted a business forum between the two countries, resulting in the signing of seven partnership agreements across various sectors.

For his part, on December 24, the Algerian president ordered an immediate in-depth study for the potential creation of a free trade zone with Mauritania. This decision came just a day after Nouakchott's absence at the Marrakech meeting dedicated to King Mohammed VI's initiative to grant Sahel countries access to the Atlantic.

Mauritania remains a crucial market for Moroccan exports, accounting for roughly 50% of Mauritania's imports from African countries and 73% from the Maghreb. Trade between the two neighbors witnessed remarkable growth in 2022, reaching around USD 300 million, a 58% increase compared to 2020. «This remarkable recovery strengthens the Kingdom's position and status as the leading supplier to the Mauritanian market», stated the diplomatic representation of Morocco in Nouakchott.

For the record, Casablanca hosted the last edition of the Morocco-Mauritania economic forum on September 20, 2022.