Mauritius in Figures (2010)
| Capital | Port Louis | |
| Population | 1.2 million, consisting of people of Indian, Chinese, European and African origin | |
| Workforce | 541,000 | |
| Main Language | English (official language) and French | |
| Time Zone | GMT +4 hours | |
| GDP | US$ 8.24 billion | |
| Real GDP Growth | 3.1 % | |
| GDP/Capita | US$ 7,500 | |
| GDP breakdown | Agriculture | 4% |
| Manufacturing | 19% | |
| Construction | 7% | |
| Real Estate, Renting and Business Activities | 12% | |
| Hotels | 7% | |
| Financial intermediation | 12% | |
| Other Services | 39% | |
| Export Partners | UK (27%), France (16.6%), US (8.3%), Madagascar (6.4%), Italy (5.5%) | |
| Import Partners | India (18.7%), China (12.6%), France (11.7%), South Africa (8.7%), Australia (2.8%), Thailand (2.6%) | |
Over the past 30 years, Mauritius has evolved from a mono-crop sugar-dominated economy to a sophisticated and diversified services oriented one. The tertiary sector currently accounts for 70% of GDP. While traditional growth sectors like tourism and manufacturing continue to be strong, many other opportunities have arisen in emerging sectors with the potential to become tomorrow’s economic pillars. This rapid transition to a mature economy, one to have graduated to middle-income status, comes as a promising result of sound economic management coupled with a vision to succeed shared between the government, the business community and civil society at large.
Mauritius has a unique business friendly environment along with a healthy investment climate that makes it an attractive investment destination. The investor can now set up his business within three working days. Investors and professionals benefit from a hassle-free environment where income and corporate tax are harmonized at only 15%. Under the Companies Act, businesses can be in the following forms: under a self-employed activity, as a partnership with Mauritian nationals or a 100% foreign owned company under the Companies Act. The Registrar of Companies is the authority with which any business must register before starting operations. A unique business registration number and registration card is delivered within 3 days.
Mauritius offers business opportunities in the following sectors:
- Agro-industries
- Financial Services
- Healthcare and Medical Travel
- Hospitality and Property Development
- Information Technology and Business Process Outsourcing
- Logistics and Distribution Services
- Manufacturing and Light Engineering
- Renewable Energies and Environment
- Seafood and Aquaculture
10 good reasons to do business in Mauritius:
- 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
- Double Tax Avoidance Agreements with 34 countries.
- Business operating costs remain affordable compared to other emerging business centres of the world.
10 good reasons to invest in Mauritius:
- Social and political stability
- A strong and diversified economy
- An educated and bilingual workforce
- A pool of skilled and qualified professionals
- A business friendly environment
- Preferential access to international markets
- A modern and reliable infrastructure
- A comprehensive and forward looking legal framework
- A growing international business and financial hub
- A safe and enjoyable place to work and live