Andorra Horitzó 23

Andorra has launched a program called Horitzó 23. An intensive roadmap should provide the country with more capabilities and projects to combat the negative effects of the Coronavirus crisis and obtain a key position in the new European reality. Horitzó 23 will allow the promotion of decisive measures on the economic front, which will be the cornerstone for tackling the recovery, but there will also be far-reaching initiatives in the areas of welfare, social cohesion, and digital transformation. The plan runs from 2020 to 2023.

Horitzó 23 presents a total of 77 actions, divided into 20 initiatives under the three pillars outlined (economy, social cohesion, and digital transformation). A battery of proposals and actions should help the Government of Andorra to reverse the negative effects of COVID 19 that the country has suffered. The impact of Coronavirus generated 1,301 unemployed, a 10% drop in Andorra GDP, and a deficit that already amounts to 150 million euros.

The complete plan activates a budget of 80 million euros during the legislature, of which 38% will go directly to investments. This is the direct action of the Government of Andorra. The global investment promoted by the country may reach up 212 million euros if we take into account the amounts allocated by Andorra Telecom and FEDA.

Promotion of Andorra-La Seu d’Urgell Airport

The economic recipe will undoubtedly be key to lay the foundations for the measures to promote recovery. One of the major objectives set by the Andorran Administration is to take firm steps towards the diversification of the economy. More sustainability and innovation will lead to the development of business initiatives, boosting economic progress.

One of the crown jewels of the economic commitment in the Horitzó 23 plan is the creation of a free trade zone. This measure would aim to promote new business models, many of them related to e-commerce. Andorran government commitment in economic matters is firm in establishing the objective not only to tackle the effects of the crisis caused by the pandemic but also to place the country in the best parameters of adaptation to the European scenario.

Another economic aspect pursued by Horitzó 23 is the simplification of the procedures for Andorra company formation, as well as the development of a technology park to promote digitalization, health, research, and innovation. Andorra has an efficient healthcare system and outstanding citizen security.

In this sense, innovation in Andorra will improve existing business and serve as a pole of attraction for international entrepreneurs. Attracting talent is a priority for the Andorran government, together with the modification of Andorra residency criteria for professionals with notable international projection, as well as for people with high income.

As part of the economic measures to improve the country’s future, Andorra intends to promote the Andorra-La Seu d’Urgell airport as a focus for attracting business activity. Airport infrastructure is considered key to the country’s development. Likewise, there are possibilities to make Airport inside Andorra, with a future national heliport. A suitable location is one of the unknowns of the project.

Another action front foreseen by the Government of Andorra is the strengthening of tourist activity. The promotion of quality mountain tourism, culture, casino, and sports is crucial.

Andorra economy recovery until 2023

Horitzó 23 has a very comprehensive economic development, which involves a commitment to digitization. With regards to welfare, there are plans to progressively increase pensions, raise the minimum wage to represent 60% of the average wage in Andorra, and improve the public housing supply.

When it comes to digital transformation, official plans announce a simplification of administrative processes, e-residency, digital nomad visa, implementation of a tourist tax from which the revenue would return to the tourism sector.

The plan will have an operational monitoring committee that will carry out checks to analyze the evolution of the implementation of Horitzó 23. A strategic commission formed by members of the Government of Andorra will follow up on the agreements.