Luxury Indian Ocean No1 Édition 2014 | Page 17

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© Peter Kuchar

U
A French journalist (with some Swiss blood!)recently described Mauritius as the Switzerland of the Indian Ocean.
The phrase sounded so good that the Prime Minister immediately used it in a press conference!
And it’s true that, in 20 years, Mauritius has built up a
solid reputation as an investment hub, reliable and safe in
terms of good governance as well as ethical, economic and
political transparency. This little country, which combines
a lively feeling for business with an attractive lifestyle, has
achieved one of the fastest growth rates in sub-Saharan
Africa. In 30 years, it has transformed itself from an economy dominated by sugarcane cultivation to a sophisticated and diversified service economy, with financial services playing a major role. Foreign investors―individuals
or companies―Mauritius cannot fail to appeal to you!
There are so many good reasons to invest here.
Below are seven of them, summing up the powerful attraction of the Switzerland of the Indian Ocean.

1

A very favourable taxation system
Mauritius has adopted a low rate of taxation to encourage the setting up of local and
foreign companies.
The main advantages are:
• No inheritance tax
• Tax credits of 80% for offshore companies
• 15% tax on company profits and personal
income
• Value-Added Tax at 15% (refundable)
• No tax on dividends
• No customs duties or VAT on equipment

• No restrictions on repatriation of profits, dividends and
capital
• No tax on short-term appreciation

2

Durable Political and Social stability
Since its independence in 1968, Mauritius has enjoyed real political stability.
Its government is democratically elected
every five years. The political structure
is based on the British parliamentary model, following the principle of
the separation of powers, legislature,
executive and judiciary, under the vigilant eye of the
“fourth power”, a free press.

3

An Economy based on free trade
The dynamism which has put Mauritius into
second place among middle-income African
countries is the result of sustained and efficient
economic management based on the principle of free trade
which is [X