Business Diplomat: A Diaspora That Builds

Abdallahi Bouké, who represents Mauritanians abroad in the Asia region, sees the diaspora as an economic and social force, about one tenth of the population and largely made up of productive workers. Interviewed by: Asst. Prof. İsmail Polat Interviewee: Abdallahi Bouké, Member of the National Assembly of Mauritania for the Asia Region (Mauritanians Abroad)

Note: The views expressed in this article are Abdallahi Bouké’s personal views and do not represent the official position of the National Assembly of Mauritania or any other institution.

A country’s people do not all live inside its borders. In this part of its series, Business Diplomat presents Abdallahi Bouké’s view of what that means for development, drawn from his statements in parliament.

First observation: more than a community abroad
A recurring theme in his work is that the diaspora is not merely a group living outside its home country. It is also, in his view, an important force that contributes to the country’s economic and social development.

Second observation: a sizeable share of the population
He has pointed out that Mauritanians living abroad make up roughly ten percent of the country’s population, and that most of them are productive workers. The figure changes how the diaspora is seen. A tenth of a population is a significant resource, and its members work in other economies and bring skills and experience.

The logic of the assessment
Seen this way, emigration is a connection that can be built on. People abroad earn, learn and form networks that can serve their home country. A state that recognises this can treat its diaspora as a partner in development.

The role of Business Diplomat
For young people, the lesson is that international mobility and cooperation are part of development, not a loss to it. This matches the mission of Business Diplomat: to give young people experience, bring a diplomatic order to the business world, and benefit states by revitalising the economy.

Conclusion
For Bouké, the diaspora is a working force that strengthens the country through its connections. Young people who understand this can see international experience as a contribution to the country’s future.