Foreign Economic Policy

For Liechtenstein's strongly export-oriented economy, liberalized access to foreign markets is of particular importance. The basis for this is Liechtenstein's membership in the European Economic Area (EEA), in the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), in the World Trade Organization (WTO), and in the Customs Treaty with Switzerland. For a knowledge-based economy, the protection of intellectual property is also indispensable, which is why Liechtenstein is a member of the European Patent Office (EPO) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

The conclusion of free trade agreements within the framework of EFTA, of which Liechtenstein has been a member since 1991, contributes in particular to the goals of foreign economic policy.Free trade agreements create a framework for the further development of economic relations. They allow Liechtenstein companies access to foreign markets outside the EEA and Switzerland that is at least equivalent to that of their main competitors (such as companies from EU countries or the USA). Currently, Liechtenstein and the other EFTA partners have concluded free trade agreements with 41 States and Territories outside the EU.

Also of key importance are the liberalization measures that the WTO promotes for global trade. The WTO also reviews every four years the economic and trade policy of Liechtenstein, the last review took place in 2022.

With the adoption of the financial center strategy, the government has set the course for the future positioning of the Liechtenstein financial center.The strategy is based on the official commitment to the OECD standards including the automatic exchange of information (AEOI) and the cross-border tax cooperation, which includes the conclusion of Double Taxation Treaties. Liechtenstein's attractiveness as an international and innovative financial center and its positive perception as a stable and reliable financial center at home and abroad should be further strengthened. On this basis, the competitiveness of the financial center can be secured in the long term. In implementing Liechtenstein's financial center strategy in all its forms, a consistently high degree of conformity with applicable international and European standards is of central importance.

The Office for Foreign Affairs makes an active contribution to the realisation of the financial center strategy through its contacts and networks as well as by supporting negotiations.