Liechtenstein Economy and Business

• GDP: US$3.5 billion (2004).
• Main exports: Small speciality machinery, dental products, connectors for audio and video, parts for motor vehicles, and hardware.
• Main imports: Agricultural products, raw materials, energy products, machinery, and metal goods.
• Main trade partners: EU and EFTA countries, and the USA.

The population of Liechtenstein is amongst the world's most prosperous. Financial services are the main component of the economy. Dairy and arable farming account for the bulk of agriculture. The manufacturing industry processes and recycles metals, producing machine tools and precision instruments.

The country has vital economic links with Switzerland, based upon a customs union, and uses the Swiss Franc as currency. Liechtenstein joined the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) in 1991 and the European Economic Area (EEA) in 1995. The unemployment rate was a mere 1.3% in 2002.

Personal visits and the following of all business formalities are very important. Times to avoid business visits include the Easter holiday, the second half of July and August, and the week after Christmas.

Office hours: Generally Mon-Fri 0800-1830.

Although there is no conference association in Liechtenstein, a number of hotels have conference facilities and can organise conventions: Löwen in Vaduz, Schaanerhof in Schaan, Meierhof in Triesen, Kulm in Triesenberg, Gorfion and Malbuner-Hof in Malbun/Triesenberg.

Liechtensteinische Industrie und Handelskammer (Chamber of Industry and Commerce)
Josef Rheinberger-Strasse 11, FL-9490 Vaduz, Liechtenstein
Tel: 237 5511.
Website: www.lihk.li