1. (U) Shehab Meshki, Cisco Systems Regional Sales
Manager for East Africa, briefly visited Djibouti March
23-25, 2004. The main purpose of the visit was to make
initial contact with key government and business persons
to evaluate the possibilities for Cisco investment in
Djibouti. Meshki also made a presentation introducing
Cisco's opportunities at Pole University's annual Fete
d'Internet. Pole University recently began offering
the Cisco Training Academy as part of its Information
Technology program. Embassy facilitated meetings with
key Port officials and with the communication shop at
Camp Lemonier. Embassy Pol/Econ Officer also met with
Meshki and briefed on the current investment climate in
Djibouti. Meshki plans to discuss the possibilities for
Cisco programs with the Ministry of Education, the
Chamber of Commerce and other Djiboutian
businesses on his next visit.



2. (U) The Port of Djibouti, managed by Dubai Ports
International, is beginning modernization in order to
become more competitive and reach its aim of becoming
a commercial hub in the region. An integral part of
this process is conforming to the latest international
security standards. Meshki met with Abdillahi I.
Chirreh, IT Manager at Port of Djibouti, who gave an
in-depth presentation on the current IT situation and
what the Port required in the near future. Chirreh
stressed the lack of wireless communication, especially
where the new Doraleh Port Facility was concerned.
Meshki explained the options Cisco offered related to
the Port of Djibouti's needs, expressing the intention
of returning to discuss Cisco's products more in-depth.



3. (U) Meshki also met with Mohamed Abar, Harbor Master
for Port of Djibouti, who informed him of a tender the
Port had been advertising regarding security surveillance
equipment. Meshki indicated that Cisco would be
interested in tendering a bid and discussed technical
matters for the bid with Bernard Barbe, Security
Manager at the Port. Embassy Econ/Commercial section
provided Cisco with specifications and information
regarding the value of the tender and will follow the
development of Cisco interests in Djibouti.
RAGSDALE