Mali - Principal Business AssociationsMali - Principal Business
Business associations are organized by sector and are open to foreign entities, including U.S. businesses. The main associations are the Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie for trade and industry, the Chambre d’Agriculture for agriculture, and the Chambre des Mines for mining operators. There are also marketwide associations such as the National Council of Employers (Conseil National du Patronat). The Council can represent employers and industries during negotiations with the government and unions. Currently, it represents 40 business associations and seven local councils from different regions of Mali. The business associations and Conseil National du Patronat have taken an active role in defending the interests of the private sector in judicial cases as demonstrated in a case relating to the cancellation of an executive order on copyrights. In addition, the Conseil National du Patronat organizes trade exhibitions and business-to-business networking sessions to increase connections between local businesses and foreign ones. Business associations carry weight in political decisions and inform members about major activities relating to their sectors.