Andorra Travel Guide - Business

• GDP: US$2.8 billion (2005).
• Main exports: Tobacco, furniture and leather goods.
• Main imports: Electricity, fuels, food and consumer goods.
• Main trade partners: France and Spain.

Andorra's status as a low tax and duty-free zone has led to the development of a major trade in consumer goods. This trade, along with tourism and, more recently, financial services, are now the major components of the Andorran economy.

There is a small but thriving agricultural sector farming potatoes, tobacco and livestock. There is also a small mining industry exploiting deposits of lead, iron and alum. The country's hydroelectric power plant supplies about a quarter of domestic needs; Andorra is dependent on imports of electricity and other fuels from France and Spain.

Both inflation and growth are around 3%.

Suits are recommended at all times. Prior appointments are necessary and meetings tend to be formal. Punctuality is important. Lunch is usually after 1330 and can extend through the afternoon. Although English is quite widely spoken, a knowledge of Spanish/Catalan or French is very useful.

Office hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1700. Some offices open Mon-Fri 0800-1500 (summer only).

Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services
Carrer Prat de la Creu, 8, Andorra la Vella, Andorra
Tel: 809 292.
Website: www.ccis.ad

Centre de Congressos i Exposicions (Information on Conferences/Conventions)
Plaça Poble, Andorra la Vella, Andorra
Tel: 874 500.