Mauritius

Mauritius is a member of the African Union, Southern African Development Community (SADC), Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) & Indian Ocean RIM Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC). As a result of its membership in the COMESA, Mauritius is part of the Free Trade Area along with other African countries. Hence, all the customs duties are eliminated from COMESA imports.

Under the United States Africa Growth & Opportunities Act (AGOA) Mauritius, being part of Africa, has duty free access to the US markets for over 7,000 products including apparel, footwear, wine, motor vehicles components and agricultural products.

The air and sea ports offer the most up-to-date facilities with connections to important business centres of Europe, South Africa, India and the Far East.

Mauritius is a signatory to the European Union Economic Partnership Agreement (EU-EPAs). Amongst items of the agreement, there is elimination of duties/quotas for Mauritius imports into the EU, flexible rules of origin, dispute settlement mechanism and development cooperation provisions. Mauritius is a member of the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), a World Bank agency. MIGA provides non-commercial guarantees (insurance) for cross border investments in developing countries. Citizens or companies incorporated in Mauritius are eligible for MIGA guarantees. The guarantees protect investors against the risks of transfer restrictions, expropriation, war and civil disturbance, breach of contract and non-honouring of sovereign financial obligations.

Mauritius has signed Investment Promotion and Protection Agreements (IPPAs) with a number of African countries. The IPPAs encourage and protect investments by virtue of measures to minimize any deprivation of investments. In the worst case scenario, any deprivation of investments will have to be justly compensated. This provides additional comfort to investors since this can significantly reduce investment risks in countries where there are risks of nationalisation or expropriation. Furthermore, the IPPAs provide free repatriation of investment capital and returns.

The laws in Mauritius provide for companies from other jurisdictions to migrate to Mauritius subject to the laws in the country of incorporation. Immediately upon registration by continuation, these Companies are able to benefit from the various tax treaties, IPPAs and the trade agreements that Mauritius has with other countries.

Backed by a dynamic legal framework, a sophisticated banking sector and solid corporate governance practices, the island nation has emerged as an International Financial Centre of repute and substance in the African region. Major international financial institutions have used the Mauritian platform for investment structuring and capital raising purposes. In addition, many investors have raised their corporate profile by listing their companies on the Stock Exchange of Mauritius (SEM). The SEM is a member of the World Federation of Exchanges and is at the forefront of innovation. It allows the listing, trading and settlement of equity and debt products in major world currencies.

In addition to providing a conducive business environment, Mauritius prides itself as a safe destination for expatriates wishing to work and live on the island. Already renowned for its lush casuarina-studded beaches and crystal-clear lagoons, Mauritius has enjoyed political stability since its independence and offers an exquisite lifestyle to foreigners. It boasts international healthcare and education standards and offers an extensive range of leisure activities.