Senegal Travel Guide - Business

• GDP: US$11.1 billion (2007).
• Main imports: Food and beverages, capital goods, transport equipment, fuels and computer equipment.
• Main exports: Fish, peanuts, cotton, petroleum products and phosphate products.
• Main trade partners: France, Mali, India, Gambia and UK.

Senegal is the second most industrialised country in French West Africa. In 2007, Senegal signed agreements for major new mining concessions for iron, zircon and gold with foreign companies. There are thought to be oil reserves both on- and offshore.

The country's main export commodity is groundnuts, and the farming industry also produces millet, sorghum, maize, rice and vegetables for domestic consumption. Fish products have become an important export commodity, and the government also accumulates revenues from the sale of fishing licences to other countries, mostly from the EU.

Current annual GDP growth is 4.8% (2007), inflation stands at 5.8% (2007), but unemployment remains high at 48% (2007).

A lightweight suit is advised. French will generally be needed for meetings. Appointments should be made and punctuality is expected, despite the fact that a customer may be slightly late. Business cards are essential, preferably in French and English. The right hand should be used for shaking and to pass items. The period from July to October should be avoided for business visits, as many people are on holiday.

Office hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1300 and 1400-1700. During Ramadan, some offices open 0730-1430.

A number of hotels and conference centres offer facilities.

Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie et d’Agriculture de la Région de Dakar
BP 118, 1 place de l’Indépendance, Dakar, Senegal
Tel: 823 7189.
Website: www.cciad.sn