Opportunities Abound in Togo T he Togo Industrial Free Zone aims at promoting the expansion of export-oriented industrial activities and services in Togo by guaranteeing companies operating under this scheme the most conducive conditions for their competitiveness.    Thus, the zone provides export-oriented industries, service companies and agricultural activities with an incentive investment climate while encouraging the use of local manpower. Togo Free Zone office UNIFOOD's factory, producing sweets and bubble gum.    At its creation in 1989, the Togo Export Processing Zone gained the determining support from cooperation bodies such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) BENEFITS    The TOGO Export Processing Zone provides to export-oriented companies the best business climate in West Africa.    Thus, companies which have been granted the Togo Export Processing Zone Status enjoy the following benefits:    • Exemption, during the life expectancy of the company, from all duties and taxes at the time of importation of plants and equipment, raw materials and consumables;    • Exemption from all duties and taxes at the time of exportation of goods manufactured within the industrial free zone;    • 50% reduction in the above duties and taxes on commercial vehicles;    • 0% income tax rate for the first 10 years and 15% rate from the 11th year following the date of approval of the company;    • 2% flat rate payroll tax during the life expectancy of the company. The factory of West African Cement, a manufacturer of limestone/cement.    In a nutshell, at the customs and fiscal level, companies enjoying the export processing zone status pay only 2% payroll tax for the first 10 years of their existence plus 15% income tax as from the 11th year on. OTHER BENEFITS    Preferential tariffs on the provisions of public utilities (water, electricity, telephone, port services) are granted to companies enjoying the export processing zone status. LOCATION    The TOGO Export Processing Authority – SAZOF – has in Lomé and in the interior of the country sites where bare plots of lands are let out on a long time basis (minimum 30 years) for 300 F CFA/sq. m./year. Companies enjoying the export-processing zone status can also set up freely everywhere in TOGO and enjoy the benefits granted by the zone. Rue des Tecks, BO Box 3250 Phone: +228 253 53 53 • Fax: +228 251 98 98 E-mail: sazof bounce@zonefranchetogo.tg Website: www.zonefranchetogo.tg