Investment and Business Environment

Uruguay

~Uruguay is frequently referred to as the Switzerland of South America because of its long history of consistent attractive business and investment legislation.

~Foreigners & local citizens have the same legal rights.

~Minimal Business Registration Requirements.

~No restrictions on foreign equity ownership.

~No restrictions, legislative mandates or special taxes on film production.

~Very limited union participation and mandates.

~No restrictions on capital flows or profit repatriation.

~Extensive tax incentives available. Please write us for specific information.

Argentina

Argentine legislation provides a variety of business options, all of which are available to foreign investors under Argentina's liberal foreign investment laws. Investors are free to structure their business activities using corporations, partnerships, joint ventures, branch offices, franchises, sole proprietorships, or simple agency or licensing agreements. Foreign investment incentive policy is based on the concept of national treatment for both foreign and national investors. It is possible to obtain some tax incentives under promotional schemes sponsored by various provincial governments. These usually take the form of a waiver of local taxes due or reduction in tax rates, and are negotiated on a case-by-case basis with the specific provincial governments based on the nature of the proposed investment. The sectors promoted vary in different provinces. FTZs new legislation has been passed to authorize the creation of FTZs in each of Argentina's 23 provinces, as well as in four other areas of the country considered suitable for development as foreign trade ports. Some of them are already in operation. Firms installed in FTZs may also be eligible for certain tax benefits. The overall tax regime for any industrial activity is generally attractive for multinational enterprises operating in Argentina. A 35 percent flat tax rate on income from Argentine as well as foreign companies exists for all entities. Various available nontax benefits take the form of accelerated procedures for government licensing and approvals. Favorable results of a long-standing international interaction between Argentina and other nations include standards of business that are more or less in line with practices in industrialized countries and a net positive relationship between Argentines and foreign business interests, making Argentina an attractive place for foreign entities seeking business relationships.