In the vast realm of global trade, the Mauritius Freeport emerges as a strategic catalyst, offering a host of advantages to companies engaged in cross-continental commerce between Africa and Asia. With a focus on fiscal incentives, infrastructure, and logistics, the Freeport serves as a thriving hub, fostering seamless trade operations and opening doors to new opportunities.

Fiscal Incentives:

The Mauritius Freeport legislation provides an array of fiscal incentives that make it an attractive destination for companies navigating the complexities of trade between Africa and Asia.

1. Preferential Market Access: Leveraging trade agreements like the Cotonou Agreement, GSP, AGOA, COMESA, and SADC, Mauritius facilitates preferential access to major markets, including Asia. This advantage is a cornerstone for companies seeking to expand their reach across continents.
2. Duty-Free Import: Companies within Freeport zones enjoy exemption from customs duties on all imported goods, significantly reducing operational costs and enhancing the competitiveness of products in the target markets. Logistics planning can be optimised through the Mauritius freeport thanks to its 500,000 square metres of declared freeport zones with superior and modern logistics infrastructure such as customized warehouses, cold rooms, processing units, open air storage and integrated office facilities. Hence, for an exporter in Japan exporting to multiple destinations, such as Nigeria, Mozambique and Egypt, it is more cost efficient to do one bulk shipment to Mauritius where three separate shipments can go to the three destinations without customs duties being applied on the products.
3. Tax Benefits: The Freeport legislation offers various tax incentives, such as an 8 – year tax holiday, including exempt corporate tax. This allows businesses to optimize profits and reinvest in growth strategies, providing a solid financial foundation for sustained success.
4. Free Repatriation of Profits: The Freeport environment allows companies the freedom to repatriate profits, ensuring financial flexibility and a favourable return on investment.
5. Offshore Banking Facilities: Access to offshore banking services streamlines financial transactions for international businesses, facilitating smoother cross-border trade operations.
6. 100% Foreign Ownership: With a business-friendly approach, the Freeport allows companies to have full foreign ownership, fostering an environment conducive to international investment.

Infrastructure and Logistics:

Complementing its fiscal advantages, the Mauritius Freeport boasts world-class infrastructure and logistics capabilities, further solidifying its position as a trade facilitator.

1. Modern Facilities: Covering over 120,000 m2, the Freeport provides state-of-the-art facilities that adhere to international standards for warehousing, processing, and distribution.
2. Integrated Logistics: Situated on 50 hectares of land with direct access to modern port facilities, the Freeport offers integrated logistics services, ensuring efficiency and reliability in the movement of goods.
3. Value-Added Services: A diverse range of cost-effective value-added services enhances the attractiveness of the Freeport, catering to the diverse needs of companies engaged in cross-continental trade.
4. Strategic Location: Positioned at the crossroads of Asia, the Middle East, Australia, and Africa, Mauritius provides a central location that facilitates easy access to global markets, making it an ideal hub for trade.

Promoting Cross-Continental Trade:

The Mauritius Freeport stands as a testament to the government’s commitment to creating an environment that attracts and supports international businesses. Companies operating within the Freeport can engage in a variety of authorized activities, including warehousing, processing, distribution, freight forwarding, quality control, and manufacturing.

As businesses seek optimal locations for their operations, the Mauritius Freeport emerges as a beacon of opportunity, unlocking the potential for growth, efficiency, and success. For companies across Africa and Asia, the Freeport offers a unique opportunity to thrive in the global market. For more information, please reach out to us at divya@oramacorporate.com.