About the company Office of Economic Affairs (OEA) In many areas, the Liechtenstein government relies on the Office of Economic Affairs (OEA) for the implementation of its economic policy. This covers a multitude of responsibilities in areas of the economy ranging from unemployment benefit
Ultralight AG, headquartered in Schaanwald, specializes in UV technology. In 2013, it took part in the Swiss Pavilion organized by Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE) at the PackTech India show in Mumbai. Schekolin AG from Gamprin-Bendern, which produces packaging coatings, was equally successful. It made a number of promising contacts at the international event for the packaging and processing industry. Listemann AG from Eschen, which specializes in material and heat treatment technology, found an ideal partner for the Turkish market, all thanks to a market flash and business contact check conducted by S-GE. And in Russia, the interests of coffee roasting company Demmel AG will in future be handled by a reputable importer, following a fact-finding mission organized by the Swiss Business Hub.
to occupational safety, and from civil aviation to customs and excise duties. The OEA employs around 50 staff in Schaan and is run by Christian Hausmann, who holds a degree in economics from the University of St Gallen. In October, the Office became the first department in the state administration to be presented with an EFQM Committed to Excellence award.
WEBSITE www.avw.llv.li
Like many other Liechtenstein SMEs, the four companies mentioned above have benefited from “export cheques”, as they are known. Since 2011, the Liechtenstein Office of Economic Affairs (OEA/AVW) has regularly distributed these vouchers – each worth 7500 Swiss francs – to interested SMEs. They can be used either to finance participation in a leading international trade fair or to pay for one of S-GE’s chargeable services. This kind of financial support typifies the importance attached by the government to the domestic economy.
MORE THAN A PARTNERSHIP OF CONVENIENCE “The export cheque concept has been very well received by our SMEs,” says OEA Head Christian Hausmann, “and they were all gone within the space of a few days.” Many companies have used the opportunity to obtain services from S-GE, which has resulted in a significant increase in the cooperation – now dating back 30 years – between Liechtenstein and the Swiss specialists for the promotion of exports, imports and business locations. This is based on a service agreement for the period 2011 to 2013 which Christian Hausmann initiated when he took office four years ago, and which is scheduled for a three-year renewal. “This framework agreement makes provision for the availability of services specifically to Liechtenstein. It means that S-GE, for example, will manage a twice-yearly event for SMEs and that 20 of our small to medium enterprises will also receive a complimentary market flash.” Referring to this closer cooperation, Hausmann says: “It doesn’t make sense for a small country like ours to have its own organization promoting exports, so we’re happy to have this long-term cooperation agreement with S-GE.” It goes beyond a purely business arrangement: “We established a friendly footing for our relationship a long time ago.”
INNOVATIVE AND EXPORT-ORIENTED Liechtenstein is a highly productive country and an important economic center. It has a population of 37,000 and offers as many jobs in its 4100 companies – the equivalent of one company for fewer than nine inhabitants. “That’s a world record,” says the head of the OEA, and draws a comparison: “In Switzerland, the ratio of inhabitants to companies is 24 to 1, and in Germany it’s even higher. The USA comes in behind us with one company for every 15 of the population.” According to Christian Hausmann, 40 percent of gross domestic product is generated by commerce and industry, which is double the figure for Switzerland or Germany. Apart from the big international companies like Hilti, Oerlikon or Thyssen-Krupp, he adds, the country’s success rests firmly on the shoulders of the SMEs, whose production technology is second to none. “Our export quota is 100 percent, so it’s no wonder that the government aims to support exporting companies, as it does through its cooperation with S-GE.”
ANNUAL REPORT 2013
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