RIYADH: Mauritania offers plenty of opportunities for Saudi investors as well as attractive tourist places, a senior Mauritanian official said.

Mauritanian Commerce, Industry and Tourism Minister Naha Mint Hamdy Ould Mouknass, who held a meeting with Council of Saudi Chambers (CSC) Chairman Abdul Rahman Al-Zamil in Riyadh, said his country is keen on expanding bilateral trade and investments, especially between the private sectors of the two countries.

She said her country considers the Kingdom an important market, adding that Mauritania’s strong points include security, peace and political stability.

“The country thus remains an attractive destination for Saudi investors, especially in the fields of industry, agriculture and tourism. We can cater to the needs of 400 million west African population from Mauritania,” she added.

The minister said she intends to send a trade delegation from her country to the Kingdom’s major cities of Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah for exploring business opportunities.

Al-Zamil said in his speech that the Saudi businessmen and investors are keen on initiating trade partnerships, especially in setting up industrial cities. 

“There are several other prospective areas where the two countries could engage in profitable ventures. We have to explore these new areas through frequent meetings and dialogues between the businessmen of the two countries,“ Al-Zamil said.

The meeting took place in the presence of CSC’s Secretary General Khalid bin Mohammed Al-Otaibi and Mauritanian Ambassador Mahmoud Ould Mohamed Lemine.

Mauritania Saudi Mining and Steel S. A. (Takamul), which is headquartered in Nouadhibou, Mauritania with its operational office in Zouerate, is active in iron ore exploration in Mauritania.