Why Mauritius

Since its political independence in March 1968, Mauritius has evolved from a relatively low GNP, agriculturally based economy, to a highly rated, diversified, and financially sound global economy. Although Mauritius sits quietly in the middle of the Indian Ocean, investors can be assured that it is an ever-moving force in worldwide economics. It is featured by a safe, politically stable environment with free elections, a good human rights record, easy air and sea accessibility, and an outstanding quality of life. These are the factors that have already triggered significant foreign investment.

Mauritius is a culturally rich and diverse country. Populated by some of the oldest civilizations of the world, namely Indian, Chinese, African and European, Mauritius offers the visitor the possibility of experiencing the world Diasporas in 1800 km 2. Mauritians are by tradition hospitable and investors and their family members feel much at ease on the island. The beautiful island of Mauritius, with its tropical climate and the genuine hospitality of its 1.3 million people, has attracted discerning visitors and investors for generations. As one of the strongest economies in Africa, with a bilingual workforce (French and English, plus Hindi & Cantonese) and a long tradition of private entrepreneurship, Mauritius is an attractive location for investors in traditional as well as emerging activities.

Mauritius is fast emerging in this part of the world as a major business and financial hub, offering an array of lucrative investment opportunities in several industries. In fact, Mauritius has, over the years, meticulously crafted the prerequisites to make the island a really advantageous, safe and business-friendly location of unparalleled quality for the investor community, both local and foreign. The island has over three decades of positive track record in hosting foreign investors, coming from major capitals of the world, many of whom, have re-invested in multiple projects since and are still present in Mauritius.

Mauritius has obtained several international accolades including being ranked 1st in Africa in Doing Business report by the World Bank, 1st in the Mo Ibrahim Index for African Governance among others.

Mauritius has a sophisticated, transparent and well-regulated international financial centre with a conducive ecosystem offering a complete range of financial products such as treasury management centres, global funds, protected cell companies, captives, family offices and trusts. To incentivize new activities, the Government has introduced tax holidays for setting up regional headquarters, investment banking, and fund management, amongst others. 

With its wide network of Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements and Investment Promotion and Protection Agreements (IPPAs), Mauritius offers investors a conducive environment for doing business which guarantees predictability, certainty and security. Mauritius is currently home to two leading arbitral institutions – the LCIA-MIAC, which is a partnership comprising the London Court for International Arbitration and the Mauritius International Arbitration Centre, and the Permanent Representative Office of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA).

As worldwide economies expect to return to greater normality by end of this year, Mauritius should be at the forefront of exciting investment opportunities. In a nutshell, the reasons for doing business here are:

  • A business-friendly environment with a long tradition of hospitality, open economy and entrepreneurship
  • A sound, resilient and diversified economic base
  • A safe country with enduring social and political stability
  • A culturally diverse, multilingual and highly educated workforce
  • A pool of highly qualified professionals
  • Strategically located between Asia and Africa
  • A convenient time zone
  • A growing local, foreign resident and tourist population
  • Preferential market access to Europe, USA, India, China and Africa
  • Modern, reliable and well-developed business infrastructure
  • Low operating and business costs
  • Acquisition of freehold property by foreign nationals and companies 
  • Low fiscal regime 
  • No capital gains tax, no withholding tax on dividends, interests and royalties
  • No inheritance taxes
  • No exchange control
  • Free repatriation of profits, dividends and capital
  • Duty-free imports on equipment for selected activities
  • A network of double taxation avoidance treaties (46 countries including China, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh among others).
  • Several Investment Protection & Promotion Agreements
  • A secure, reputable and growing international financial centre
  • A host of investment opportunities across several industries.

More information can be obtained on the website of the Economic Development Board of Mauritiu (EDBM). The EDBM is the Government body which is in charge of investment promotion in Mauritius.