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Dear Investor
Welcome to the Friendly Island. St. Maarten has always been
a tropically enchanting destination for visitors, pleasure-hunters
and investors alike, from around the world. The physical beauty
of the island, the serenity of the Caribbean Sea, the relative
security of the area and warm nature of the people make St.
Maarten a place people return to year after year. Our duty
free ports, international boutiques, and gourmet restaurants
attract millions of visitors to our shores annually. This
is a trend we strive to maintain. |
| We realize however,
that to attract business to the island requires innovation,
flexibility and commitment. Besides the natural attractiveness
of the island, value must be added to the commercial realities
of prospective investors. We also believe that the process
of doing business in St. Maarten should be as simple as possible.
Over the years the Government of St. Maarten has implemented
a strategy to make the island not only a top tourist destination,
but an attractive business venue as well. The continued
improvements to the infrastructure of the island make starting
a business simpler and more efficient. New sea and airport
facilities have been finalized and additional upgrading
is currently underway. These improvements have increased
the island’s ability to handle the volume of trade
and tourism we currently enjoy and our expected needs in
the future. We boast a very competitive Telecommunications
infrastructure as well and are integrated into the 21st
century’s advancement into new ways of doing business.
Our infrastructure not only provides commercial air, sea
transport and telecommunication services, but pleasure cruising
and yachting services are also increasing. A major improvement
to our Yacht Harbor in the Simpson Bay Lagoon is currently
under construction. The lack of excessive red red tape and
the generally receptive attitude of the island give St.
Maarten a competitive advantage, which is unmatched in the
region.
St. Maarten can boast of having the only true duty-free
port in the Eastern Caribbean. The island also has a financial
trade economy. The liberal foreign exchange laws that require
no license for exchange transactions, and small formalities
for currency and capital transactions provide added flexibility.
Furthermore, the US currency is predominant on the island.
In addition, because of our close proximity to the Euro
Zone (Half of St. Maarten is part of France’s Overseas
Department) and our own association with the Kingdom of
the Netherlands, the Euro is readily accepted. Tax holidays,
both personal and corporate can be applied for. These are
but a few of the advantages available to investors on our
island.
We are proud to welcome you to our island, where we feel
confident you can participate in a business environment
unrivaled by any other in the region. On behalf of the people
of the Friendly Island, we extend our heartiest of welcomes.
Sincerely,
Leader of Government
Commissioner Sarah Wescott-Williams
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