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Ministry of Trade Continues Census and Numbering of Commercial Shops in Nouakchott
Ongoing Efforts to Organize the Commercial Sector
The Ministry of Trade, Industry, Handicrafts, and Tourism in Mauritania has intensified its campaign to count and number commercial shops across the capital, Nouakchott. This initiative is part of a broader strategy aimed at organizing the commercial sector, enhancing transparency, and improving the business environment in the country. The campaign, which began earlier this year, is being carried out in collaboration with local authorities and aims to cover all nine districts of Nouakchott.
According to ministry officials, the census and numbering process will help create a comprehensive database of commercial establishments. This will facilitate better regulation, ensure compliance with legal standards, and support future economic planning. The initiative also seeks to identify unregistered businesses and integrate them into the formal economy.
Key Objectives of the Campaign
The Ministry has outlined several goals for this campaign, which include:
- Establishing an accurate and up-to-date registry of all commercial shops in Nouakchott.
- Improving the traceability and monitoring of commercial activities.
- Facilitating the implementation of future reforms in the trade sector.
- Encouraging informal businesses to register and operate legally.
Field teams have been deployed across various neighborhoods, equipped with digital tools to collect data efficiently. Each shop is assigned a unique identification number, which is visibly displayed on the storefront. This not only aids in identification but also enhances the sense of order and professionalism within the commercial landscape.
Positive Reception and Future Outlook
Local shop owners have largely welcomed the initiative, recognizing its potential to bring more structure and legitimacy to their operations. Many believe that being part of an official registry will open up new opportunities, such as access to financial services and government support programs. The Ministry has also emphasized that the campaign is not intended to impose new taxes but rather to support the development of a more organized and inclusive economy.
Looking ahead, the Ministry plans to expand the campaign to other regions of the country once the Nouakchott phase is complete. This aligns with the government’s broader vision of modernizing the national economy and fostering sustainable development through better governance and data-driven decision-making.
Conclusion: A Step Toward Economic Modernization
The ongoing census and numbering of commercial shops in Nouakchott marks a significant step toward modernizing Mauritania’s trade sector. By creating a detailed and accurate database of businesses, the Ministry of Trade is laying the groundwork for improved regulation, increased transparency, and greater economic inclusion. As the campaign progresses, it is expected to yield long-term benefits for both the government and the private sector, ultimately contributing to a more dynamic and organized commercial environment in Mauritania.
