Channel Development Partnerships Key to Accessing New Markets for this Knowledge-based Special Economic Zone in the Cayman Islands

Cayman Enterprise City (CEC) the first technology-based Special Economic Zone of its kind in the Caribbean is aggressively pursuing channel partnerships to extend its reach in Latin America, North America and the Caribbean region. Latin American Corporate Property Services Inc. (LACPS), a real estate service and consultation company based in Panama, has signed on as the first partner in Latin America. The company began operations in Venezuela in1978 and it has a proven 34-year track record of providing clients in 48 countries with a broad range of real estate related services.

“We are excited about working on a cutting edge development−one that is a new generation for the region and will set a standard that others will follow,” says CEO of the company Ann Usher of their new partnership with Cayman Enterprise City. LACPS has business affiliations with 15 companies in Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, Bolivia, Perú, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Mexico, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.

“We are signing up specialist organizations that have access to the kinds of companies we want to see in CEC and we are starting to see significant traction,” said Cayman Enterprise City CEO Jason Blick. “We want to drive knowledge-based industries to the Cayman Islands − Global Fortune 500 IT companies, Global Fortune 500 Commodities groups, the same with the derivatives market and indeed in the media industry as well.”

CEC’s tax and regulatory advantages are designed to attract companies from five high-tech sectors covering biotechnology, Internet and media ventures, commodities and derivatives, and academics. Benefits include, economic freedom in a virtually tax-free environment, a 10-day streamlined setup, exemption from import duties, and guaranteed protection of intellectual property. Businesses trading within Cayman Enterprise City and benefiting from the tax-neutral zone of the Cayman Islands may be able to reduce their operational costs by as much as 50%.

Anne Usher expects a challenge recruiting Latin American companies comfortable with their current arrangements, but she is looking forward to showing them why CEC is better for business than other SEZs in the region. “Firstly, the benefits and exemptions are guaranteed in law for 50 years,” she said. “Secondly, the legal framework supporting the protection of industrial and intellectual property is well established, backed by precedent and being improved.”

Usher says that from conversations with clients to date it appears that most are excited about CEC, but the current climate makes them reluctant to leave their comfort zones. Latin America has shown now almost a decade of financial stability and probity, making it an investment destination of choice for many overseas investors and encouraging inter-regional investment she adds. In the last decade, China has become the number one trading partner of Brazil, Chile and Peru, and the second trading partner of Argentina.

“It is exciting to see Latin America mature past the disapproval and derision that it provoked in the 20th century,” she said. “There is great improvement in the democratic institutions; the dictators have gone, although the memories are still fresh. There is more macro-economic stability. The boom and bust cycles have been leveled out with financial regulation and improvements to the legal framework. There is still a lot to do, which is possibly the most exciting element.”

About Cayman Enterprise City
Cayman Enterprise City is a Special Economic Zone being developed in a state-of-the-art campus of innovative and sustainable architecture in Grand Cayman, designed to complement and respect the local environment. It will include: Cayman Internet & Technology Park, Cayman Biotech Park, Cayman Media Park, Cayman Global Commodities & Derivatives Park, Cayman Outsourcing Park and Cayman International Academic Park. There will be no manufacturing or industrial businesses within the zone. International businesses establishing within the zone will not be permitted to trade in Cayman outside of the zone so they cannot compete with local businesses. For more information call 345-945-3722, e-mail info(at)caymanenterprisecity(dot)com or visit http://www.caymanenterprisecity.com.

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Cayman Enterprise City CEO Talks Life Sciences in SEZ

In February 2012, the Cayman Islands launched their knowledge based special economic zone, Cayman Enterprise City. Cayman Enterprise City, as a special economic zone offers the designated industries including Biotech, IT & Technology, Media, Commodities & Derivatives, and Academia a number of competitive advantages, including a secure 100% tax exemption and free five year residence permits.

Cayman Enterprise City is serious about Biotech. Over the next two years they will be building a dedicated campus for the knowledge cluster, including a specialised campus for Biotech. The completed Biotech & Life Sciences Campus will be a hub for pharmaceutical, biochemical and indeed the generic scientific research and scientific development. The Cayman Islands also intend to introduce some of the worlds most competitive and exciting IP laws.

With Phase One of the campus completing construction in December 2014, Cayman Enterprise City has allocated space in their gateway office buildings, consisting of a grade A hurricane proof building specifically to accommodate R & D, laboratory and office functionality of Biotech & Life Sciences companies in a regulated and secure environment. CEC’s BioTech Park has been receiving much interest from the biotech industry since its launch this February, in particular the ability to have patents registered offshore.

The Cayman Islands have long been known for the financial services, one of the largest banking destinations in the world. Cayman Enterprise City, in partnership with the Cayman Government, represents a diversification of the economy. The Cayman Government has been immensely supportive of the project, passing numerous laws to allow the formation of the zone, and to provide it with considerable concessions to attract international business.

“When we began planning Cayman Enterprise City, we studied the other special economic zones around the world, and working with advisors at KPMG, we planned a set of concessions that would rank Cayman Enterprise City in the top one-percent of the zones in the world. We’ve been incredibly fortunate with the support from the Cayman Government, and those concessions have been written into the law and guaranteed to our Special Economic Zone clients,” said Mr. Jason Blick, CEO of Cayman Enterprise City.

“The obvious reason for companies to look at Cayman Enterprise City is for the tax benefits. There is no corporate tax, no income tax and no capital gains tax, guaranteed for 50 years.  There are no import or export duties.  A special economic zone is an OECD approved model for economic development and diversification. This provides companies in the zone greater protection over their financial assets,” continued Mr. Jason Blick.

The specialised needs of Biotech & Life Sciences companies is recognised within Cayman Enterprise City, whereas Media or Technology Companies have clear designated requirements for internet bandwidth and data-centers, Biotech Companies may require unique amenities and facilities.

“With regards to Biotech that is one of the areas that we are looking to our tenant companies for input, to help define the facilities and amenities required. We’ve held conversations with companies involved in stem-cell research, to those dealing with computational aspects of Biotech Research. By listening closely to the needs of our clients we can realise a vibrant and cutting edge cluster,” concluded Mr. Jason Blick.

About Jason Blick

Jason qualified as a Solicitor of England and Wales and has worked with Special Economic Zones since 1999. He served as Head of Berryman’s Lace Mawer in the Middle East before becoming the CEO of an emerging markets bank with operations in 11 countries across the Middle East and Asia. He became Managing Partner of FP Law, a law firm advising on Special Economic Zones. Jason has written and lectured extensively on finance law and considered an expert on Special Economic Zones.

Jason qualified as a Solicitor of England and Wales and has worked with Special Economic Zones since 1999. He served as Head of Berryman’s Lace Mawer in the Middle East before becoming the CEO of an emerging markets bank with operations in 11 countries across the Middle East and Asia. He became Managing Partner of FP Law, a law firm advising on Special Economic Zones. Jason has written and lectured extensively on finance law and considered an expert on Special Economic Zones.