Tax Policy and Foreign Direct Investment: Empirical Evidence from Mauritius

Abstract

This study demonstrates, through the use both qualitative and quantitative data, that there are several factors determining Foreign Direct Investment flows between two countries. A total of 180 accountants were surveyed in this study, whereby the majority of respondents agreed that Capital Gains Tax is an important factor determining FDI flow within a tax treaty but is not the only significant factor. The study also used regression analysis through a gravity equation to confirm the survey’s conclusion. Using Mauritius and a host of its tax treaty partners as proxies, it was found that Gross Domestic Product per capita, Capital Gains Tax, common language and distance were major factors affecting Foreign Direct Investment flow in a bilateral tax treaty. This study gives a good insight on the reasons why foreign investors use the Mauritian tax treaty network as a platform for investment. The main rationale for such investments was attributed to Mauritius offering a 0% Capital Gains Tax rate and being a low tax jurisdiction. However, this study sheds new light on this reasoning and provides evidence that investment does not depend solely on Capital Gains Tax levy but also a host of other important factors.