Top Ten Reasons Countries To Invest In

1. Germany. As the World’s 3rd largest economy, Germany has easy access to markets in the enlarged EU. Germany also retained itself as world’s number one exporter in 2007. The country is the only G7 state which has increased its share of world trade in the last 10 years. Germany is Europe’s number one logistics market and with a broad range of programs supporting the widespread spectrum of business activities at all stages of the investment process. Support ranges from cash incentives for the reimbursement of direct investment costs to incentives for labor and R&D.

2. Bulgaria. Bulgaria is a country that has many attractions for investors. Bulgaria’s property market is in full summit, with a high profitability, similar to Spain, but 20 or 30 years behind. Bulgaria entered the European Union on January 1, 2007 and they are going to receive very important helps from the structural European funds in the next years. Bulgaria is making a considerable effort to offer the lowest corporate taxes in Europe. Corporate tax rate in 2005 went down to 15% and is already 0% in areas of high unemployment. Hot sectors to invest in are: property, construction, software development, food and beverage, textiles and energy.

3. Cyprus. A beautiful place to holiday and a very attractive place for investors looking for a solid place to invest. The island has a fantastic tourist sector that continues to grow yearly and it also has an excellent business sector that has become a popular off-shore haven for investors. The island’s economy continues to rise steadily and it expected to grow further by a decent 3.8% over the year. Cyprus has also invested in an Investor Service Centre, which is operated by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism.

Cyprus is also a member of the European Union and offers investors one of the lowest corporate tax rates in the EU and moved to the Euro currency on 1st January 2008. Along with the many economic reasons for investing in Cyprus is the island’s pleasant weather, beauty and the government’s active marketing of the island as a place to invest, encouraged by a developed infra-structure with easy access to all of Europe and the Middle East, a skilled English-speaking work force, a developed scientific and technological infra-structure, a low crime rate, a low cost of living compared to the West and a low rate of corporation tax - 10% and additional tax benefits for investors.

4. Slovenia. There are many attributes that make Slovenia a location of choice for a broad spectrum of investors. The country’s capital is within 1 hour drive of 450 million consumers in Europe, in all directions, and is therefore central to much foreign investment. Its workforce is well-educated, multilingual, friendly and inexpensive to employ – this helps attract foreign investment into emerging markets. Slovenia is at the cross-roads of major transport routes, technological networks and infrastructures making it an ideal popular choice of location for many businesses. Slovenia’s integration into the internal EU market shows a promising economic growth well about 4%. Any foreign investor undertaking ventures of more than €500,000 are eligible for a government cost-sharing grant scheme package.

5. Poland. As a member of the EU, Polish companies have access to the world’s biggest free market area. Poland has much cheaper, and a highly skilled and educated workforce, and, as the biggest new EU member state, it has the biggest workforce resources for a 38 million consumer market. Boston Consulting Group forecast Poland as the manufacturing hub of Europe within the next few years, based upon: cheaper manufacturing by 30% and lower cost of labour as 10 times cheaper. Service Outsourcing by Poland is one of the biggest in Europe and more favourable than China or India, according to research conducted by Ernst & Young.

6. Portugal. Portugal has a hot, dry climate almost all year round with an impressive coastline. There is a high demand in Portugal for letting in resort areas as well as in the cities. The holiday rental yields are good and the high season for renting includes the Easter holidays, July to October and New Year. Prices have risen in the past 18 months and the Algarve tends to have the largest capital increases. The market in eastern Algarve remains very strong, despite recent changes in the global economic climate and current world events. More and more people are looking to invest in Portugal and the Algarve has much to offer.

7. Philippines. The Filipino workforce is one of the most compelling advantages the Philippines have over any other Asian country. With education as a high priority, the Philippines is the world’s 3rd largest English-speaking country. The Philippines is located right in the heart of Asia – today the fastest growing region and it is located within four hours flying time from major capitals of the region. Sited at the crossroads of the eastern and western business, it is a critical entry point to over 500 million people in the ASEAN market and a gateway of international shipping and air lanes suited for European and American businesses.

There are 7,100 islands of beaches and breathtaking sceneries that offer leisure activities for tourists. Wages are typically less than a fifth of that in the U.S. Foreign companies are now outsourcing programming and business processes to the Philippines at an estimated 30 to 40% business cost savings and open economy allows 100% foreign ownership in almost all sector. Incentive packages include the corporate income tax, reduced to a current 32%.

8. France. With its modern transport links, communications systems, competitive energy cost and incentives into renewable alternatives, France’s economic growth is evident. Despite the often perceived French market of perfumes, cosmetics, wines and gourmet food, the country’s traditional arm lies in engineering and transportation. For example, France has one of the best TGV trains ranking in the world. The government attracts investment with incentive programs were the main economic development and investment promotion agency provides assistance to potential investors.

To attract jobs to less affluent areas, financial subsidies and tax incentives are offered at local, regional, and national levels. Eligibility requirements for obtaining grants and subsidies are the same for both French and foreign investors. Activities that qualify for tax breaks include manufacturing, commercial, and crafts-orientated activities. North American investors can also go through regional development boards, which offer new businesses assistance in setting up, funding, and getting started. Capital gains tax on housing has recently been halved to 16% with net rental yields on property investment of 7-10%.

9. Greece. Greece joined the EU in 1981 and has the highest per capita consum, is a member of the EMU. As one of the best performing economies in Europe, business confidence in Greece's economic progress over the last decade has led to considerable foreign investment. It offers a stable political climate and a healthy economic environment. In preparation for the 2004 Athens Olympics, Greece began an extensive programme of upgrading infrastructure, communications and transport links. Greek legislation has recently been amended specifically to facilitate investments in the country.

The Greek Government is also planning a series of privatisations and structural reform in the large state sector. The main British exports are alcoholic beverages, road vehicles, telecommunications equipment, medicinal and pharmaceutical products and a range of manufactured items. British companies operating in Greece major multi-nationals such as Glaxo Welcome, BP, Vodafone and United Distillers, financial, management and legal (shipping sector) consultants. SMEs are usually represented by Greek agents.

10. Brazil. Brazil has some of the lowest property prices in the world, making it an attractive place for investors. The cost of living is 20% of the UK’s and the price of maintaining these investments is very low. The capital appreciation is 20% per annum in many locations and the country has an encouraging currency exchange rate, making property transactions cheap for foreign investors. Brazil is expected to be self-sufficient in oil reserves within the next year and has experienced and a large number of already thriving manufacturing industries have relocated to Brazil, further boosting the economy. The sun shines all year round in Brazil, boasts 7,000 km of sandy beaches, high levels of tourism and easy access from most international airports.