The Cook Islands is a group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean south west of Tahiti and due south of Hawaii. Local time is 10 hours behind London, with 9am in Hong Kong being 3pm the previous day in the Cook Islands. Its geographic location affords the Cook Islands with a strategic advantage in dealing with both the Asian and USA markets. It is also growing in popularity with Europe as Asset Protection Trusts are used in civil law jurisdictions. The legal system is based on British common law and closely reflects that of New Zealand and other common law jurisdictions. The Cook Islands enjoys a highly developed infrastructure for business, and there is a well-educated English speaking labor force. The country has sophisticated telecommunication links with the rest of the world and convenient air services to New Zealand and the USA. There are no foreign exchange controls with complete freedom to repatriate capital and profits. It boasts the highest GDP per capita amongst the South Pacific small island nations. The business and official language is English, with Cook Islands Maori as a second official language.

Wichman, Puai