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Trade Leads
- Although many expect oil production to gradually decline in the coming years, this sector provides some opportunities and the government continues to look for investors. Opportunities exist in exploration, production, and related services.
- Minerals are Gabon’s second biggest export. To date only one company produces and exports manganese (Compagnie Minière de l’Ogooue, COMILOG), but other firms have obtained prospecting/exploration licenses for iron, copper, diamonds, and other minerals.
- There may be opportunities for mining in the area surrounding the Belinga iron ore deposit. In 2006, the government signed an agreement with a Chinese company for the development of the Belinga iron ore deposit in northeastern Gabon. Controversy surrounding the environmental impact and financial hiccups have delayed the project. The project includes extensive related infrastructure projects (roads, hydroelectric dam, railway, deep water port). The entire project was valued at USD $3.6 billion. Discussions between the Gabonese and Chinese concerning the future of the project are ongoing.
- There are opportunities for U.S companies to provide cranes, draglines, trucks and tractors, in the mining sector.
- Opportunities may exist with the recently-privatized telecommunications company Gabon Telecom, who is trying to upgrade its telecommunication system due to the increasing demand for internet access and high-speed cable.
- The timber and forest sector has recently been drastically altered. New regulations prohibit the export of untreated wood and raw timber. The Government plans to support local production of wood products to encourage a wood-based manufacturing sector.
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