Portal de Noticias del Gobierno de Canarias – Intensificación de relaciones comerciales con Mauritania

Clavijo highlights the importance of taking advantage of cooperation opportunities through the Mauritania-Spain Business Council (CAMES) created by the Spanish, Canary Islands, and Mauritanian chambers of commerce

The Government will work to expedite visa processing and restore direct maritime connection with this African country, the two main demands of the business community

Businesses in the archipelago see potential in the African country to grow in areas such as renewable energies, the primary sector, agri-food industry, healthcare, transportation, and construction

Canary Islands and Mauritania are committed to further intensifying their excellent commercial relationships. This was agreed upon by business representatives from the archipelago and the African country during a meeting of the Mauritania-Spain Business Council (CAMES) held this Friday with the participation of the President of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo.

During the event held at the Chambers of Commerce in Nouakchott, Mauritania, the head of the Canarian government emphasized the historical neighborly relationship between the islands and this African country, making it the archipelago’s main commercial partner on the continent.

He believes that there are many avenues to increase economic flow between the Canary Islands and Mauritania, especially in sectors such as healthcare, renewable energies, water, the blue economy in general, cooperation, as well as in education and knowledge transfer. To progress on this path, Fernando Clavijo has invited the Minister of Economy and Finance, Sid’Ahmed Bouh, to present investment opportunities in Mauritania at a working session at Casa África, in the capital of Las Palmas.

In addition, Clavijo has committed to working with the business sector in collaboration with the Spanish embassy to expedite visa issuance in this African country. He has also announced that the Government of the Canary Islands is seeking solutions to promptly restore direct maritime connection between the archipelago and Mauritania.

The head of the regional government considers the Mauritania-Spain Business Council to play a key role in intensifying this commercial and economic relationship. This body, launched in November 2023 with the support of the Chambers of Commerce of Spain, Mauritania, and the Canary Islands, is chaired by Ana Suárez, the Binter advisor, and Mohamed Waled as the representative of the Mauritanian business sector. Its aim is to identify business opportunities and ensure that the appropriate conditions are in place to promote economic cooperation in key sectors.

During the event, Ana Suárez praised the progress in commercial relations between the Canary Islands and Mauritania and encouraged strengthening the existing ties. However, she called for faster visa issuance to Spain and the reopening of a direct maritime connection, two improvements that she believes will help enhance the business relationships between the islands and this thriving African country.

Historical Economic Relations

Prior to participating in the CAMES meeting, the President met with the Canarian business delegation accompanying him on this trip, where he firsthand learned about their demands.

This delegation consists of over 30 representatives from companies linked to sectors with a strong presence in this African country: air transport; port and maritime transport; healthcare, telecommunications; and packaging. Alongside Proexca and its CEO, Pablo Martín Carbajal, the directors of these island companies have held meetings with the relevant ministries in their respective areas in recent days.

The Canary Islands are the Spanish territory that exports the most to Mauritania, a country that serves as the archipelago’s primary commercial partner in Africa. Total exports from the islands to Mauritania in 2024 exceeded 75 million euros. There are around 350 Canarian companies exporting to this country, with over 75 being regular exporters.

The main export item from Spain and the Canary Islands to Mauritania is refined oil (fuel and mineral oils), typically accounting for between 30% and 45%. This is followed by industrial products at 10-15% (machinery, metal foundries), agri-food products (pastries, eggs, milk, apples and pears, soup tablets) at around 10-12%. Also notable are tiles and ceramic products (2-4%) and paper and cardboard at 3-5%.

In addition to exports, there are nearly 60 Canarian companies operating regularly in Mauritania. These include those engaged in import and export, consultancy, commerce, transportation, fishing, construction materials, services, catering, food, and engineering.

The chambers of commerce on both sides have also identified significant business potential in this African country in other sectors such as agriculture, the blue economy, fuels, renewable energies, education, and healthcare.

The strong air connectivity between the Canary Islands and Mauritania is another factor driving commercial relations. Currently, there are 12 weekly flights between the African country and the archipelago. It is estimated that around 20,000 Mauritanians travel to the islands regularly to stay for 5 to 7 days, shop in island stores, and avail themselves of healthcare services. Additionally, the number of Mauritanian residents in the Canary Islands exceeds 5,000.

Highest Institutional Level

The meeting with representatives of the Spain-Mauritania Business Commission marked the end of the 48-hour trip led by the President of the Canary Islands, accompanied by the largest delegation from the archipelago to have traveled to this African country thus far.

Over the two days of work, Fernando Clavijo met with the President of Mauritania, Mohamed Ahmed Ould Ghazouani, and four ministers: the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Mauritians Abroad, Mohamed Salem Merzoug; the Minister of Economy and Finance, Sid’Ahmed Ould Bouh; the Minister of Employment, Youth and Sports of Mauritania, Taleb Ould Sid’Ahmed; and the Minister of Vocational Training, Crafts, and Trades, Maalainine Ould Eyih. Additionally, he visited the training center where courses are taught as part of the Terra Firme project of the Government of the Canary Islands.