In economically challenging times, Prime Minister Brigitte Haas is currently using the annual meeting of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington, D.C. to strengthen economic partnerships. She is leading a delegation consisting of representatives from the Ministry of Finance, the Liechtenstein Financial Market Authority and the Liechtenstein Embassy in Washington, D.C.

As part of the IMF annual meeting, the head of government held talks with Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin, the President of the Swiss National Bank, Martin Schlegel, and the heads of the Swiss constituency. The close exchange serves to coordinate and strengthen the stability and resilience of the common customs and monetary union. In light of the current geopolitical tensions and the ongoing volatility of international economic and financial relations, this is crucial for Liechtenstein's strongly internationally oriented economy.

Forum on the stability and resilience of the Liechtenstein banking sector

Senior representatives of the Liechtenstein Bankers Association and several Liechtenstein banks are also taking part in the IMF annual meeting. The head of government gave the keynote speech at an event organized by the Liechtenstein Bankers Association and discussed with international experts from the private and public sectors how financial centres can position themselves to be stable and resilient today. For both the government and Liechtenstein's financial sector, IMF membership offers a useful platform for raising the international profile of Liechtenstein as a stable and successful location. A reception in honor of the Head of Government at the Liechtenstein Embassy also provided an opportunity to cultivate contacts with representatives of the US administration and Congress, as well as numerous representatives of US financial institutions. The finance ministers of Iceland and Andorra also attended the reception.

Discussions with IMF management on the current situation in Europe

The talks between the head of government and IMF Executive Board member Nigel Clarke and Alfred Kammer, Chairman of the European Department, revolved around the question of how small, open economies such as Liechtenstein can deal with the current significant increase in protectionist measures. Other topics included the implementation of the desired increase in productivity in many European countries and the reduction of bureaucracy.

Included in the World Economic Outlook for the first time

Liechtenstein will appear in the IMF's World Economic Outlook for the first time in October 2025. The IMF is slightly more positive about the future economic development in Liechtenstein than in other European countries. This reflects the intensive exchange between the Liechtenstein authorities, associations and companies and IMF economists since joining the IMF. Liechtenstein can thus present itself to the world as an attractive industrial and business location.