Doing Business in Mauritius

Country overview

Located off the southeast coast of Africa, the mountainous and volcanic island of Mauritius has a population of 1.3 million inhabitants. With the nation’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ); covering about 2.3 million km² (890,000 mi²) of the Indian Ocean, Mauritius has successfully positioned itself as a regional business hub. Since its independence in 1968, Mauritius has undergone through various stages of economic transformation, transitioning from a sugar-based economy to a diversified and innovative economic model.

Today, Mauritius is a middle-income economy pursuing a liberal and open economic policy and welcomes foreign investment in nearly all sectors of the economy. The economy rests on financial services, tourism, sugar, textiles and canned tuna manufacturing. The country relies heavily on trade and investment with Europe and the US and also with markets like India, China and Africa.

Mauritius is considered one of the most business-friendly countries in Sub-Saharan Africa as a result of its political stability, good governance and independent judiciary. Out of 190 countries, Mauritius ranked as the 25^th most favourable country for business in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Index for 2018 and 1^st for Africa. The country is also highly rated against many other related international benchmarks. For example, it ranks 1^st in Africa and 45^th worldwide on the World Global Competitiveness Index 2017-2018.

The country acts as a reliable platform for investment into India and has recently begun to establish itself as a gateway for investment into Africa.

About this guide

This guide aims to provide a route map of the way ahead, together with signposts to other sources of help.

The main objective of this Doing Business in Mauritius Guide is to provide you with basic knowledge about Mauritius; an overview of its economy, business culture, potential opportunities and to identify the main issues associated with initial research, market entry, risk management and cultural and language issues.

We do not pretend to provide all the answers in the guide, but novice exporters in particular will find it a useful starting point. Further assistance is available from the Department for International Trade (DIT) team in Mauritius. Full contact details are available in this guide.

To help your business succeed in Mauritius we have carefully selected a variety of essential service providers as ‘Market Experts’ Click Here

The guide is available in 4 formats:

• this website

• a ‘free’ downloadable 'mobile device-friendly’ app – available from the iTunes App Store and Google Play store (simply search 'Doing Business Guides')

• a full colour hard-copy brochure (to order your copy please Click Here)

• PDF download/e-flipbook (available to download below)

About IOE&IT

An introduction to the Institute of Export & International Trade

Established in 1935, the Institute of Export & International Trade is the professional membership body representing and supporting the interests of everyone involved in importing, exporting and international trade. Offering a unique range of individual and business membership benefits and a world renowned suite of qualifications and training, the Institute is the leading authority in best practice and competence for businesses trading globally.

To view other videos, please visit the IOE&IT YouTube Channel.

For more information visit: www.export.org.uk