Why Madagascar

1. Strategic Location

An island with a dynamic geo-political location situated at a strategic crossroad between Africa and Asia ;
Located on a major maritime axis (Asia-Africa);
Ideal location for regional, inter-regional and international investment and business.

2. A Dynamic Market for Foreign Investment

A multitude of opportunities for business and investment across 6 key sectors: agribusiness, light industry, infrastructure, mining, tourism, Information and Communication Technology;
A political climate and framework conducive to foreign investment and business – Investment promotion and protection agreements with many countries, such as France and Germany;
A strong and dynamic private sector with a young, vibrant and competitive workforce, particularly in light manufacturing sector.

3. A Dynamic Country in Transition (18 million with purchasing power)

An ambitious, and innovative development program – the Madagascar Action Plan (MAP) – recognized and supported by the international donor community;
Transparent and responsible government;
A peaceful nation – A stable socio-political environment without ethnic or religious conflict;
Adherence to democratic values and the rule of law;
A stable growing economy undertaking major public sector reforms mainly in justice, decentralization and accountability;
Significant public investment in quality infrastructure, especially in road construction;
A burgeoning Information and Communication Technology sector with great opportunity when Madagascar will be connected through fiber optics to the International network.

4. High Quality Environment

A unique destination for tourism, of all types including eco-tourism;
Vast areas of virgin landscape;
Stunning scenery and extensive unspoilt coastline;
A varied climate suited to a wide range of tourism and agricultural production;
Abundant and fertile land for agricultural production.

5. Partnership with the International Community

Net beneficiary of multi and bilateral funding towards sustainable economic development;
Granted multilateral debt relief (World Bank);
Excellent track record in aid management (9th European Development Fund);
ACP member benefiting from European Union (EU) development cooperation and commerce;
First country to qualify for financial support from Millennium Challenge Corporation;

6. Preferential trade agreements

Preferential market access to EU;
Preferential market access to the United States (US) until 2012 for textile and apparel, handicraft, etc.;
Member of regional trade bodies: Southern African Development Community (SADC); Common Market on Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA); Indian Ocean Commission (IOC)

7. High Economic Potential

Business opportunities for long-term investment are significant; with:

• 18 million hectare of cultivable area
• 5,000 km of beaches
• An unique fauna and flora
• Only 2% of hydroelectric potential is used,
• Abundant & diverse resources,
• High-quality specialty products.

8. Existence of One stop shop: The Economic Development Board of Madagascar (EDBM):

Land and real estate access and ownership for foreign investors & protection of property rights; Updated Law on Investments;
Agreement on double taxation, International transfer of funds;
Investment promotion & protection agreements with many countries.