Jordi Marticella, director of Integral Serveis 21, answers questions about the future of the Andorran economy and the consequences that the coronavirus will have on foreign investment.
The GPS system of the Andorra-La Seu airport is now a reality. The Spanish Government has recently announced that the GPS device that will allow commercial flights to land at the Alt Urgell airport will be installed. This is the first airport in the entire Spanish territory that will have this technology.
Andorra offers a great many advantages, particularly in relation to the adjacent countries, with which there are long-standing financial connections, and which are also the source of the most significant investments. The principal taxes are charged at the lowest rates in Europe and this means that the Principality is the country where citizens and businesses suffer the least onerous tax bill.
The moment of retirement comes. An era of effort and work lasting many years has come to an end and you find yourself faced with an unknown prospect which can also be a challenge, because it means a 360-degree turnaround in your life. Among many of the decisions you have to take is the one about where you are going to live to enjoy your retirement.
Actuellement, la durée de vie des produits est très courte. Lorsque nous les acquérons, nous le faisons d’un point de vue de nos besoins immédiats et, lorsque ceux-ci perdent toute utilité, nous les jetons tout simplement. Le concept d’économie circulaire surgit pour rompre cette dynamique dans le but d’arriver à clore le cycle de vie des produits et des services en donnant la priorité aux critères de réutilisation et d’optimisation.
During the second quarter of this year 2019, the Andorran economy has grown by 2.3%, above the growth rates recorded for France and Europe and on a level with the Spanish economy. These positive overall results are the result of strong dynamism in the service sector, the country’s economic pillar which, according to official data, represents 80% of the GNP.
Between 2,500 and 3,000 vehicles are registered in Andorra every year. Nearly 10% of these are re-registrations of imported vehicles, which covers vehicles with foreign number plates that are brought in by new residents coming to live and work in Andorra.
From 1 July people of Andorran nationality and residents of the country with a nautical card issued in Andorra can crew vessels that are not registered in the Principality, whether private or hired. Through a decree-law, the Government has ended the obligation of crewing exclusively vessels with registration under the Andorran flag.
The film sector in the Principality of Andorra has grown in recent years, enabling Andorra to be presented abroad as an ideal location for audiovisual projects, among other opportunities. Conscious of the media coverage of these productions, the Government of Andorra has decided to offer a grant of €100,000, to be awarded to one film project.