Endowed with great natural beauty and much local talent and initiative, Madeira has become one of the European Community's most exciting business centres. Strategically placed within easy reach of the major Atlantic shipping routes, Madeira is your stepping stone into Europe and other international destinations. The island enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate that has helped develop a thriving tourist industry over the last century. Still a major staging post for international cruise liners, Madeira's volcanic origins have produced spectacular contrasts in scenery and vegetation. The island is rightly famous for its wine, fine embroidery, flowers and today boasts a fast growing international shipping centre.
Housing is readily available, to rent or purchase, with efficient services.
The island also offers international schooling. The island has a modern digital telecommunications system, with direct dialling anywhere in the world. All industrial and commercial activities are permitted within the limited area of the free trade zone, subject to the preservation of the natural environment and to the standard rules of public health and national security. Such institutions may engage in foreign exchange operations free from domestic restrictions. Transactions may be carried out in any currency.