The No 1 Foreign Direct Investor in India for the last decade

Over the years, Mauritius has evolved as an international financial centre of substance.  The thriving financial sector, contributing to nearly 11% to GDP, is home to 19 banks and 18 insurance and re-insurance companies serving both domestic and global markets. Islamic Finance and Wealth Management have grown to have an even larger influence on the economy recently. With 91 companies listed and an ever growing market capitalization, the Stock Exchange of Mauritius continues to be among the top exchanges in the region.

 

The country is today recognized as the gateway for emerging countries, offering high value added services and protection to its investors. The reputation ofMauritius as a well regulated and business friendly investment destination is also evidenced by its international recognition with the IOSCO, IAIS, OECD, FATF and IFSB, as well as its growing network of Double Taxation Treaties and Investment Promotion and Protection Agreements. As at date, Mauritius has signed DTAs and IPPAs with 35 and 34 countries respectively, including Asian, African and European countries. As an IFC of repute Mauritius offers attractive investment opportunities in banking, insurance, wealth and asset management services, fiduciary and trust services, international legal services, capital markets as well as investment structuring.

 

Mauritius is increasingly being recognised as the ideal hub for bridging investments in the booming Asian and promising African markets. The global business sector currently contributes an average of 3% to GDP and counts over 32000 global business entities with more than 610 global funds. Our close cultural affinity, bilateral agreements and innovative range of products have allowed Mauritius to be positioned as the lead FDI contributor in India, with nearly 44% (averaging US$ 9.6 billion over the last 3 years) of Indian FDI inflows being routed through the Mauritian platform.

 

A large proportion of all Asian outward investments landing into Africa are today structured in Mauritius. The country has as at to date, signed 12 Double Taxation Agreements with leading African economies like South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Madagascar and Mozambique to mention but a few. China is equally using Mauritius as a base for expansion into the promising African continent. For instance, through Jinfei Economic Zone, project that has already started, China will invest around USD 750 million in Mauritius. This Economic Zone will be used as the regional hub for Chinese investments landing into Africa.

 

In an effort to further boost trading activities in Africa, Mauritius has recently licensed the  region’s first multi-asset exchange  dealing in commodities such as gold, silver, platinum, aluminum, copper, nickel, zinc, crude oil, sugar and coffee; currencies such as USD, EUR, JPY,GBP,INR,ZAR and MUR; bonds and equities. The exchange will also allow trading in energy and carbon credits. This project is expected to tap into the readily available liquidity of Africa.

 

To further enhance the position of Mauritius as an IFC of substance, the strategy of the Government is to increase the physical presence of international business houses operating in the financial arena in the country. Over the years, a number of African players have set up base in Mauritius including Standard Bank, Investec Bank, Trident Trust and Africa Re Insurance to mention but a few. These Multinational Companies are not only serving the domestic market but are also using Mauritius as a base for activities in Asia and Africa. This explain why the country has constantly been ranked number 1 in Africa in a number of surveys and reports, including the  2010 World Bank Doing Business Report.