Promote Trade Relations and SMEs

To encourage regional integration and eliminate barriers to trade and investment, particularly in Africa, expatriates from 29 countries will be exempted from visa if they wish to start a business in Mauritius. In addition, 50 scholarships will be awarded to the most deserving African students.

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) whose annual turnover does not exceed Rs 10 million will receive a credit of Rs 250 million. The threshold for VAT exemption will a turnover Rs 2 million to Rs 4 million for businesses called " micro "or" small . " Approximately 1,300 additional SMEs should thus be exempted from VAT. The Finance Scheme for SMEs has been increased by Rs 60 million per year. SMEs will no longer need to provide a Performance Bond to be eligible for government contracts.

An additional allocation of Rs 135 million will be allocated to Enterprise Mauritius to promote Mauritian firms abroad. In addition, fees paid by companies when recruiting foreign workers will be abolished and changes Import Duty should occur in 2013.