What draws investors to Mauritius? Is it the sun, the sea, the lush and pristine landscapes? Absolutely. But there is a better attraction. Mauritius has put in place economic reforms that have resulted in a long and positive track record in attracting investors.
Economic success in Mauritius is earning the country international accolades. The World Bank while ranking it second on the ease of doing business (2009) among the 33 Small Island Developing States (SIDS), cited the country as a sterling example of how sustained, high level commitment can transform the business environment and deliver results.
The island state has emerged in recent years as one of the strongest economies in sub-Saharan Africa. Resting on a resilient economy, it is poised for further growth as it sets out to become a major business and financial hub.
The board of Investment is inviting investors to take advantage of opportunities in the following
sectors which are either emerging, needing expansion or under-exploited.
Hospitality and property development
Over the last few years, property development has been particularly buoyant, with the construction of many commercial malls, luxury villas and international flagship hotels. A new wave of landmark property development is under way, setting new standards in terms of design and quality of build.
Investors have been showing a sustained interest in the luxury residential sector. This has been driven by the government’s integrated resort schemes which give foreigners title to their own homes, and residency rights.
Investment opportunities
• Establishing of Marinas
• Development of tourist and upmarket business hotels,
• Building of shopping malls and duty free shops.
• Building of resorts and residential
housing
• Development of new office space, business and industry parks
• Setting up of wellness centres, spas and amusement parks
Agro-business
Sugar cane cultivation has been the main agricultural activity in Mauritius, but with the end of guaranteed price and quota free access for its sugar in the EU market, the industry is set to diversify. There is also a small-scale horticulture and floriculture industry, and the country which is a net importer of food is moving towards growing its own food.
Investment opportunities in agro business to serve both local and export markets and include;
• Cultivation of a wider range of produce
• Value-added processing
• Livestock keeping
International Business Service
Strategically located in the Indian Ocean,
Mauritius plays a unique role in serving Africa, Asia and the rest of the world in value-added business services. Leveraging on its state-of-the-art infrastructure and global connectivity, the country has inherent attributes to become the new economic powerhouse of the region.
Investment opportunities
• Provision of financial services
• Knowledge and human resources development services
• IT and BPO services
• Telecommunications and information management services.
• Provision of logistics and distribution services
• Professional services
• Design, media and digital entertainment services.
Life Sciences
The country is aiming at becoming a major player in the fields of biomedical research, clinical trials, medical devices and pharmaceuticals. Mauritius has all the pre-requisites for a
strong and fast-growing life sciences industry: entrepreneurial spirit, cutting-edge technologies, academic excellence, a highly skilled and bilingual workforce, and a strong intellectual property protection regime.
Investment opportunities
• Basic research
• Pre-clinical trials
• Clinical development
• Product and process development
• Manufacturing of medical devices and pharmaceutical products
Emerging Sectors
New sectors of activity that have been identified evolve around the ocean, environment, renewable energy, water conservation and management, as well as telecommunications and the creative arts. Unparalleled business opportunities in these new sectors are being seen as a potential trigger for new investments, job creation and economic growth.
The Mauritius advantage
Investors
are offered both a low tax jurisdiction and competitively priced business costs. The tax regime is one of the lowest in the world:
• Corporate and income tax of 15%
• Tax free dividends
• No capital gains tax
• Up to 100% foreign ownership
• Exemption from customs duty on equipment
• Free repatriation of profits, dividends and capital
• No minimum foreign capital required
• 50% annual allowance on declining balance for the purchase of electronic and computer equipment
• An extensive tax treaty network with several countries
For further information on investment opportunities in Mauritius contact the Board of Investment (BoI)
Key contact: Ken Poonoosamy
Director, New Business Development and International Business Services
Board of Investment
Email: contact@investmauritius.com
Website: www.boimauritius.com
