Responses from the Liechtenstein
Chamber of Industry and Commerce (LIHK)
to questions posed by exclusiv magazine

What importance does Liechtenstein have as an industrial location?

In Most of the larger Liechtenstein industrial enterprises «34», as well as the three major banks and various service enterprises, are represented as members in the Liechtenstein Chamber of Industry and Commerce «LIHK». The LIHK provides an active contribution to the development and retention of attractive general conditions and for sustainable assurance of the economic location’s competitive ability. It assists in the recognition and development of new future opportunities and possibilities for the economic location. Liechtenstein is well known for the royal dynasty and the financial centre, but is less well-known for its industry, although Liechtenstein is one of the most industrialised countries on earth, and its industry is highly developed.

With 12’927 domestically employed workers the 2nd sector «industry and commodity-producing trade» is behind the 3rd sector «commerce and business services», which has 15’521 gainfully employed workers. Many LIHK enterprises are active in specialised market niches. Some of them are among the global leaders in their industry.

Principality of Liechtenstein export turnover and export partners

The export turnover «value-related foreign turnover» of LIHK enterprises has increased continuously since the establishment of the Liechtenstein Chamber of Industry and Commerce. The total exports of the 34 LIHK enterprises amounted to 4’646 million CHF in 2003. Because the Liechtenstein market is extremely small, Switzerland has become the actual home market for many business enterprises.

The relations with Switzerland as well as with the European Economic Area «EEA» are very important for these business enterprises. The portion of EEA countries designated for the total export amounts to 43.1 %. The list of the ten most important export countries for LIHK industrial enterprises is led by the USA, Germany and Switzerland. With a total of 3’614 billion CHF the ten most high-volume countries notch up a portion amounting to nearly 78 % of the total exports.

How large is the personnel and administrative expenditure
for research and development among the industrial enterprises?

The personnel and administrative expenditure for research and development among the LIHK industrial enterprises amounts to about 318 million CHF. The considerable relative importance of research and development is considered as one of the success factors for the industry in Liechtenstein. This sector features 1’057 employees, which corresponds to a portion of 13.8 % of the overall workforce.

Employment figures among the industrial enterprises
in the Principality of Liechtenstein

The number of professional employees with a successfully concluded professional training amounts to 3’587. This professional group represents the largest portion of employees with over 46 % of the workforce. The number of employees with advanced training amounts to 1’802; about 66 % of them have an academic degree. However, the LIHK industrial enterprises are constantly expanding their presence abroad, and today employ nearly 27’000 people in 195 foreign branches.


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