Prime Minister Brigitte Haas is taking part in the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Bangkok, Thailand, from 15 to 17 October. The Prime Minister is also using the Annual Meetings as a platform for bilateral talks with Liechtenstein’s economic partners. A particular focus of these meetings is on the expansion of double taxation agreements (DTAs). While the DTA with the Philippines was signed in Bangkok, further talks were held with Italy and Portugal.

Expansion of the international DTA network

By signing the DTA with the Philippines, Liechtenstein is strengthening its economic relations with an important partner in Southeast Asia, where several Liechtenstein industrial companies operate. The agreement creates legal certainty for businesses and individuals operating across borders, prevents double taxation of income, and thus facilitates trade and investment. “The continuous expansion of the DTA network is an important component of Liechtenstein’s business location policy and contributes to the competitiveness of our internationally oriented business and financial centre,”[JH1]  said Prime Minister Haas during her attendance at the IMF Annual Meetings.

Bilateral talks with Portugal and Italy focused on tax frameworks and the further deepening of economic cooperation. In her exchange with Portugal, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Liechtenstein’s interest in concluding a DTA. Liechtenstein’s removal last year from the Portuguese list of jurisdictions with preferential tax regimes has laid the foundation for this step.

In a productive exchange with the Italian Minister of Economy and Finance, Giancarlo Giorgetti, the Prime Minister raised the still outstanding ratification of the double taxation agreement signed back in 2023. She also advocated equal tax treatment of Liechtenstein with the other EU and EEA States with regard to the Italian wealth tax on foreign financial assets.

Close cooperation with Iceland in the EEA and IMF

Talks with the Icelandic Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Daði Már Kristófersson, focused on cooperation in the European Economic Area (EEA) and shared interests in the IMF. The Prime Minister underlined the importance of close coordination among the EEA/EFTA States, particularly with regard to the timely incorporation of European legislation in the field of financial services.