Mauritania’s unemployment rate over the last five years has dropped to 10% in 2013 from 31% in 2008, the country’s senior minister has said. Minister of Economic Affairs and Development Sidi Ould Tah welcoming the contribution of key sectors in for generating jobs during the last five years said, “Mauritania has reduced the unemployment rate from 31% in 2008 to 10% in 2013.” The minister said this during his address to the third edition of the congress Federation of Services and Liberal Profession under the aegis of National Union of Mauritanian Employers, held here Wednesday. The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to involve the private sector planning national and sectoral strategies. He urged the private sector to take advantage of favourable conditions for investment and business. He told entrepreneurs to focus on innovation for sustainability, progress and development. President of the Federation Mohamed Ould Waled welcomed Mauritanian Government’s strong support to the private sector and its encouragement for them to play an effective role in the economic and social development of the country.