Mauritius, an independent and sovereign nation, strategically well located in the Indian Ocean, has earned a solid reputation as a world class international financial services hub, providing operational security and commercial flexibility to investors. It is recognised as a modern, innovative, and user-friendly legislation jurisdiction, with internationally recognised standards of regulatory practices.

Offshore financial services were first introduced to Mauritius in 1992, when a progressive programme of comprehensive legislation was passed to enable their development. Today, Mauritius is emerging as a respectable international offshore financial centre in the Southern Hemisphere, with the financial sector becoming an important fourth pillar of the economy after tourism, agriculture, and industry.

A modern and flexible legislation for the financial services industry, comfortable foreign exchange reserves, a highly educated and productive workforce with a literacy rate of some 86%, and a robust and diversified economy, make the island a most coveted place for business.

Mauritius has a relatively sophisticated banking sector with a great number of international banks in operation. The banks are engaged in a wide range of internationally based business, including private banking, deposit-taking and lending, foreign exchange trading, fund management, investment advisory services, trade financing, and securities custodial services.

Mauritius is a member of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and Southern African Development Community (SADC), a member of the British Commonwealth, and is associated with the European Union as an ACP member state.

To date (March 2010), Mauritius has concluded 36 double tax treaties with:

Mauritius adds value to a wide range of global investment vehicles. It offers a unique blend of very attractive features, which best meet your requirements. Please feel free to contact Turnstone's office in Mauritius for any further information.