Executive Branch: chief of state: President Mohamed Cheikh El GHAZOUANI (since 1 August 2019) head of government: Prime Minister Ould Bedda Ould Cheikh. Transparency International has a representative who reports on local corruption policies and events. Mauritanias major exports are iron ore (46 percent), non-fillet frozen fish (16 percent), and gold (11 percent). The local currency, the ouguiya, is freely convertible within Mauritania, but its exportation is not legally authorized. The old Cardiology Hospital (Transfusion Center), or 2. Parliamentary government (Cabinet-Parliamentary government) - a government in which members of an executive branch (the cabinet and its leader - a prime minister, premier, or chancellor) are nominated to their positions by a legislature or parliament, and are directly responsible to it; this type of government can be dissolved at will by the parliament (legislature) by means of a no confidence vote or the leader of the cabinet may dissolve the parliament if it can no longer function. In 2014, the government of Mauritania amended the Hydrocarbon Code to provide more incentives that favor foreign investment in the hydrocarbon sector. According to the Public Procurement Code, there are no formal barriers to competition with SOEs. Presidential - a system of government where the executive branch exists separately from a legislature (to which it is generally not accountable). There continues to be a lack of transparency in the legal, regulatory, and accounting systems, which do not meet international norms. The revised Investment Code provides more property guarantees and protection to business owners. Country name: Islamic Republic of Mauritania. Government. Democracy - a form of government in which the supreme power is retained by the people, but which is usually exercised indirectly through a system of representation and delegated authority periodically renewed. There is a complex and often-overlapping system of permits and licenses required to do business. The ILO also reported that the labor inspectorate was subject to undue influence by employers and the government, thereby reducing the effectiveness of inspection activity. Confederacy (Confederation) - a union by compact or treaty between states, provinces, or territories, that creates a central government with limited powers; the constituent entities retain supreme authority over all matters except those delegated to the central government. There are no laws in place enforced on local data storage. In the modern wage sector, women also received family benefits, including three months of paid maternity leave. Monarchy - a government in which the supreme power is lodged in the hands of a monarch who reigns over a state or territory, usually for life and by hereditary right; the monarch may be either a sole absolute ruler or a sovereign - such as a king, queen, or prince - with constitutionally limited authority. Ould Abdel AZIZ led the last coup in 2008, and was elected president in 2009 and reelected in 2014. The Agency for Consumer Protection, housed at the Ministry of Commerce, is in charge of quality control and the prevention of sales of counterfeit goods in local markets, but its capabilities to track and enforce its regulations are very constrained. This site contains PDF documents. While the government is moving to streamline bureaucratic procedures for investment, difficulties remain. U.S. direct investment in Mauritania is increasing, albeit from a low base. It can take up to seven days to register a business in Mauritania. However, there is no specific legislation to ensure enforcement. The public health office across from the morgue entrance to the National Hospital. The project would cost $40 billion and will use electrolyzers powered by renewable energy to . Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy, 1. Investment incentives such as free land, deferred and reduced taxes, and tax-free importation of materials and equipment are available to encourage foreign investors. Companies in the mining and hydrocarbon industries send young Mauritanians overseas to complete their studies on scholarship programs; many of the scholarship recipients have family ties to powerful individuals in the companies. However, informal barriers such as denial of access to credit and/or land exist. Authoritarian - a form of government in which state authority is imposed onto many aspects of citizens' lives. Land concessions allocated to companies located in Free Economic Zones will follow a rental rate determined by joint decision of the relevant Minister and the Minister of Economy, which sets land allocation prices. Communist - a system of government in which the state plans and controls the economy and a single - often authoritarian - party holds power; state controls are imposed with the elimination of private ownership of property or capital while claiming to make progress toward a higher social order in which all goods are equally shared by the people (i.e., a classless society). The IMF 2018 review on the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) in Mauritania shows improvement in balance of payments and reserves recovery following the 2014 shock to the Mauritanian economy caused by the drop in price of iron ore. Companies established in free zones are exempt from taxes on profits for the first five years. In 2017, trading across borders was made easier by upgrading the SYDONIA World electronic system, which reduced the time for preparation and submission of customs declarations for both exports and imports. The government accepts international arbitration of investment disputes between foreign investors and government authorities. There are no legal parallel markets in Mauritania that would allow investors to remit investments through other means. In 1966, Mauritania ratified the Convention on the settlement of investment disputes between States and nationals of other States. Leblouh is much more prevalent in rural areas, where traditions and customs are practiced more strictly. Businesses transfer money through the traditional Hawala systemthey deposit their money in a Hawala store and designate a beneficiary for pick up. Civil and Commercial Codes exist and are designed to protect contracts, although court enforcement and dispute settlement can be difficult. Historically, Mauritania has been relatively open to foreign direct investment, especially in the mining, hydrocarbon, agriculture, and fishing sectors. Suppliers for large government contracts are selected through a tender process initiated at the ministry level. Yes, U.S. citizens who seek a COVID-19 test may seek one at the following two locations: 1. The government mandates that companies may employ expatriate staff in no more than 10 percent of key managerial staff positions, in accordance with the Labor Code and are required to have a plan in place to Mauritanize expatriate staff positions. In 2017, the Central Bank significantly reduced direct foreign currency sales to the private sector to better enforce foreign exchange regulations as part of its drive to allow for a more flexible determination of the exchange rate. The OPPS Guichet Unique (a single location to take care of all administrative needs related to registering a company) provides the review for all sectors, except the petroleum and mining sectors, which require approval from a cabinet meeting led by the president. Tenders Info is a online government Tender information provider company, helping business across globe in finding business opportunities. Federal republic - a state in which the powers of the central government are restricted and in which the component parts (states, colonies, or provinces) retain a degree of self-government; ultimate sovereign power rests with the voters who chose their governmental representatives. The Central Bank is required to prioritize government transfers, which could present further delays. Dictatorship - a form of government in which a ruler or small clique wield absolute power (not restricted by a constitution or laws). Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha, Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Senegal and Western Sahara, Hassaniya Arabic (official), Pulaar, Soninke, Wolof (official), French, mixed Maur/black 40%, Maur 30%, black 30%. The government of Mauritania does not maintain a . Interest rates have remained stable since 2009, ranging between 10 to 17 percent as of April 2019. However, in March 2019, the Central Bank closed 700 illegal money transfer points to restructure the financial sector. Judges remain undercompensated and susceptible to tribal pressures and bribery. Mobilize $317 million. The Ministry of. There is a well-developed property registration system for land and real estate in most areas of the country, but land tenure issues in southern Mauritania, particularly the area along the Senegal River, are the subject of much controversy. Such widespread tax evasion and corruption has deprived the government of a significant source of revenue, weakening its capacity to provide necessary services. Since 1992, direct presidential elections have been scheduled every six years. The Bidhan ethnic group dominates the Mauritanian government, while black Mauritanians and the Haratin ethnic group are underrepresented in elected positions and in high-level government roles. USA.gov|FOIA|Privacy Program|EEO Policy|Disclaimer|Information Quality Guidelines |Accessibility, Official Website of the International Trade Administration, Comply with U.S. and Foreign Export Regulations. First production is expected to occur in 2022. If they don't wake up early enough, they won't find the rooster. In the July 2009 presidential election, President Aziz ran on an anti-corruption and populist platform. Laws and decrees related to commercial and financial sectors exit. In practice annual auditing of government, accounts are not enforced and therefore rarely conducted. In 2011, the government promulgated two orders to regulate accounting practices of nongovernmental and private entities, which must now have reputable financial management and submit periodic reports of financial transactions. A proliferation of banks has fostered competition that has contributed to the decline in interest rates from 30 percent in 2000 to 10 percent in 2009, not including origination costs and other fees. Confederacy (Confederation) - a union by compact or treaty between states, provinces, or territories, that creates a central government with limited powers; the constituent entities retain supreme authority over all matters except those delegated to the central government. The Mauritanization law requires that employers give priority to nationals over foreign workers, unless the skills required for the position cannot be filled by the national labor force. Bandits pose a threat in beach areas, deserted areas and along the road between Mali and Mauritania. According to Countryaah.com, with capital city of Nouakchott, Mauritania is a country located in Western Africa with total population of 4,649,669.. State and politics. Parliamentary monarchy - a state headed by a monarch who is not actively involved in policy formation or implementation (i.e., the exercise of sovereign powers by a monarch in a ceremonial capacity); true governmental leadership is carried out by a cabinet and its head - a prime minister, premier, or chancellor - who are drawn from a legislature (parliament). Once out of power, Ould Abdel Aziz tried to remain in the leadership of the ruling Union for the Republic (UPR) partywhich he founded in 2009. There are no investment restrictions on domestic investors from investing abroad. The Constitution of Mauritania of 1991 defines all the three branches of government, which includes the executive, the legislature, and the judiciary. After issuing an invitation for tenders, the Ministry of Economys commission in charge of reviewing tenders selects the offer that best fulfills government requirements. Definition: This entry gives the basic form of government. China, France, Spain, Japan, and the United Arab Emirates are the main trade partners. Corruption is most pervasive in government procurement, bank loans, fishing license attribution, land distribution, access to port facilities and tax payments. In this case the employer should create a plan of Mauritanization to transfer skillsets to local workers within a period of two years. A 2007 study found that 75% of rural women had experienced leblouh in Mauritania. Authoritarian - a form of government in which state authority is imposed onto many aspects of citizens' lives. The Land Registry Agency performs due diligence prior to making the final title transfer. Judgments of foreign courts are not consistently applied. Mauritania Government Tenders and Bids Below is the latest information on Government Tenders Government Contracts, Government Public Tenders from Mauritania. Morocco and Tunisia are ok, but their deserts are small. U.S. Department of Commerce Mauritania is not included in the United States Trade Representative (USTR) Notorious Markets List or the Special 301 Report. Government officials regularly highlight the need to improve the business climate in order to attract more FDI, particularly from the United States. Nevertheless, this rebound remains fragile as liquidity constraints in the financial market, arising from fiscal consolidation and an ineffective monetary policy, continue to dampen liquidity in the banking sector. Corruption is most pervasive in government procurement, bank loans, fishing license attribution, land distribution, tax payments, and mining licenses. A British-Mauritanian insurance company, Atlantic Londongate, offers broad commercial coverage. Three of the world's supermajors are currently exploring opportunities off the Mauritanian coast with 22 offshore blocks remaining open for negotiations. That is coupled to the fact that it is safe. This page provides - Mauritania Government Budget - actual values, historical data . The Islalmic Republic of Mauritania's form of government is really hard to put a finger to as they seem to be changing governments and deposing rulers whenever they wanted to. This momentous announcement sets the stage for development work to begin on what will be the world's biggest renewable energy project, exporting green hydrogen and its derivatives to global markets. In 2011, Mauritania underwent a World Trade Organization (WTO) trade policy review. However, the government rectified previously misreported financial data in an effort to be more transparent, such as publishing quarterly financial statements on a government treasury website: www.tresor.mr. All information regarding the property titles is available at the Land Registry Agency housed at the Ministry of Habitat, including information related to mortgages and other tax related matters. Coordinator for the Arctic Region, Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources, Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security, Bureau of Arms Control, Verification and Compliance, Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation, Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights, Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration, Office of International Religious Freedom, Office of the Special Envoy To Monitor and Combat Antisemitism, Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, Office of the Science and Technology Adviser, Bureau of the Comptroller and Global Financial Services, Bureau of Information Resource Management, Office of Management Strategy and Solutions, Bureau of International Organization Affairs, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, U.S. Though the government is looking for ways to streamline the system by providing training to judges and lawyers, the court procedures are currently long and complicated. Credit is often difficult to obtain due to a lax legal system to enforce regulations that build trust and guarantee credit return. The government tends to maintain on ongoing dialogue with investors through formal business conferences and meetings. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Government Budget Balance for Mauritania from The World Bank for the [DISCONTINUED] Africa Development Indicators release. There are several organizations that track corruption within Mauritania. There is no law prohibiting or limiting foreign investment, which can target any sector of the economy. Mauritanias constitution is grounded in French civil law and sharia (Islamic law). In recent years, parastatal companies and SOEs have experienced significant business and financial problems in terms of increasing levels of debt, operational losses, and payment delays. The world's biggest renewable energy project involving the production of green hydrogen will be developed in Mauritania. Currently, only nine agencies have a provisional authorization for transfer of funds. Racial and ethnic tension between Moors, Arabs, Berbers, and blacks was widespread. Telephone: +222 4525 34 04 (possibly runoff election). You are free: to share - to copy, distribute and transmit the work; to remix - to adapt the work; Under the following conditions: attribution - You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. The Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals (1972), 4. The government continues to amend its laws and regulations to facilitate business registration. Mauritania signed and ratified the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) in 1994 but has yet to implement it. Despite the ongoing push to fight corruption, wealthy business groups and government officials reportedly receive frequent favors from authorities, such as exemption from taxes, special grants of land, and favorable treatment during bidding on government projects. Most foreign investors, however, prefer external financing due to the high interest rates and procedural complexities that prevail locally. MAURITANIA'S GOVERNANCE EPITOMIZES a cycle all too evident throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Islamic republic - a particular form of government adopted by some Muslim states; although such a state is, in theory, a theocracy, it remains a republic, but its laws are required to be compatible with the laws of Islam. Currently, prospective investors are required to obtain an Investment Certificate by presenting their proposal and all required documents to the OPPS. Maoism - the theory and practice of Marxism-Leninism developed in China by Mao Zedong (Mao Tse-tung), which states that a continuous revolution is necessary if the leaders of a communist state are to keep in touch with the people. etymology: named for the ancient kingdom of Mauretania (3rd century B.C. There are no new major investment laws or judicial decisions ratified last year. This conference gathers top representatives from the mining, hydrocarbon, investment, banking, and service sectors along with equipment producers for three days of networking, knowledge sharing, and business matching. Donor partners applauded the release of the first-ever Mauritanian anti-corruption strategy in November 2009, and a number of high-profile anticorruption cases have demonstrated at least nascent efforts to fight corruption. Given the FLNG hub, the offshore engineering equipment and services sector is rife with opportunity. The governments focus on foreign investment is seen in the improvement in the countrys ranking in the World Banks Doing Business Report: in 2018 Mauritania was ranked at 148 out of 190 countries, up from ranking 176 in 2014. Similarly, foreigners working in Mauritania are guaranteed the prompt transfer of their professional salaries. 2. Official websites use .gov Last published date: 2022-08-15. The Central Bank of Mauritania is in charge of regulating the Mauritanian banking industry, and the Central Bank has made reforms to streamline the financial sectors compliance with international standards. NouakchottEconComm@state.gov. Investors should be fully aware of the history of the lands they are purchasing or renting, and should verify that the local partner has the proper authority to sell/rent large tracts of landparticularly in this regionbefore agreeing to any deals. 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