Nomad Capitalist: Doug Casey’s Advice on Becoming Connected Overseas

Small‑country governments often welcome foreign entrepreneurs and investors who can bring expertise, capital, or new industries. By approaching these markets strategically, you can gain access to decision‑makers, influence policy, and create mutually beneficial business opportunities that would be far harder to achieve in larger, legacy economies.

Why target smaller jurisdictions?

• Direct access to power – In nations with populations of 50 000‑200 000, senior officials are more approachable and often personally involved in economic development.
• Policy flexibility – Governments seeking to attract investment may be willing to adjust regulations, offer incentives, or create new legal frameworks (e.g., citizenship‑by‑investment, crypto‑friendly legislation).
• High impact – A single successful project can affect a noticeable share of the country’s GDP or employment, making officials eager to support it.

Step‑by‑step approach

1. Select a target country
   Look for nations that:

   • Publicly advertise a need for foreign capital or expertise (e.g., Caribbean islands, Eastern European states, Central Asian republics).
   • Have a small, centralized bureaucracy where senior officials are reachable.
   • Offer legal pathways for foreign investors (investment visas, special economic zones).

2. Identify English‑speaking legal counsel

   • Use embassy or consular lists of local lawyers who speak English.
   • Conduct brief, unpaid interviews to assess:
     • Fluency and communication speed.
     • Willingness to meet at your hotel or a neutral location.
     • Existing connections to government officials (e.g., family ties to the attorney‑general, past work with the prime minister).
   • Keep a shortlist; you may retain a retainer later if the relationship proves valuable.

3. Gather intelligence through the lawyer
   Ask the counsel to brief you on:

   • Current government priorities (e.g., privatization of state assets, development of a crypto‑friendly regulatory regime).
   • Upcoming policy reforms or public‑private partnership opportunities.
   • Key ministries or officials responsible for the sector you wish to enter.

4. Pitch value to the government

   • Prepare a concise presentation of your track record (e.g., previous successful investments, expertise in a niche industry).
   • Highlight how your involvement can:
     • Generate revenue or tax income.
     • Create jobs for local citizens.
     • Transfer technology or expertise.
   • Offer concrete proposals, such as managing a privatized utility, establishing a venture‑capital fund, or launching a regulated crypto exchange.

5. Secure a meeting with senior officials

   • Leverage the lawyer’s connections to arrange introductions to the prime minister, finance minister, or relevant agency heads.
   • Be ready to discuss specifics on the spot; officials in small jurisdictions often expect decisive, actionable plans.

6. Negotiate terms

   • Discuss incentives: tax holidays, residency or citizenship pathways, land grants, or regulatory exemptions.
   • Clarify the legal structure (e.g., joint‑venture, wholly‑owned subsidiary) and any required local partnership percentages.
   • Ensure agreements include clear milestones and dispute‑resolution mechanisms.

Practical considerations and risks

• Due diligence – Verify the credibility of the lawyer and any government officials you meet. Corruption can be a risk in some jurisdictions; insist on transparent contracts.
• Political stability – Smaller states may experience rapid leadership changes. Assess the durability of policies across administrations.
• Regulatory compliance – Even if a country is eager for investment, you must still meet international anti‑money‑laundering (AML) and know‑your‑customer (KYC) standards.
• Exit strategy – Plan how you will unwind the investment if the political climate shifts or the project underperforms.

Examples of successful entry points

• Dominica (1970s) – Before the citizenship‑by‑investment program existed, an investor contacted top lawyers, discovered a sibling of the attorney‑general, and secured a meeting with the prime minister to discuss privatizing state assets.
• Georgia – Former President Mikheil Saakashvili highlighted the country’s openness to reform; investors with clear, scalable projects could influence policy on a national level.
• Caribbean yacht‑friendly islands – Some islands now market themselves as low‑tax, eco‑tourism hubs, attracting super‑yacht owners who fund luxury infrastructure in exchange for exclusive docking rights.

Decision criteria for choosing a jurisdiction

By following this structured approach—targeting receptive small nations, leveraging local legal expertise, and presenting clear, value‑adding proposals—you can engage directly with policymakers, influence economic policy, and build profitable ventures that would be difficult to achieve in larger, more insulated economies.