Press Release No. 23/430

IMF Staff Completes Membership Mission to the Principality of Liechtenstein

December 8, 2023

Vaduz, Principality of Liechtenstein: An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission led by Gabriel Di Bella visited Vaduz during November 27-December 8, 2023, in response to application by the Government of the Principality of Liechtenstein for membership in the IMF. At the end of these discussions, Mr. Di Bella issued the following statement:

“The IMF mission welcomed the authorities’ commitment and actions to advance the membership process. Very good progress has been made in the implementation of preparatory steps for membership, including data collection for quota calculation. During the visit, the authorities and IMF staff discussed member rights and obligations, IMF financial operations, the designation of depository and fiscal agencies, and IMF governance and decision-making structures. Staff and the authorities also discussed recent economic developments, opportunities, and challenges, and macroeconomic and financial policies.”

“The Government of the Principality of Liechtenstein and staff agreed that IMF membership would support investor confidence and strengthen the Principality’s position as a financial center. Membership would also allow the Principality to access IMF resources, if needed, and to benefit from policy advice and support to strengthen statistical capacity. Membership would also contribute to further cement the strong global economic footprint of the Principality.”

“Staff indicated that next steps include consideration of the application of the Principality of Liechtenstein by the IMF's Executive Board by end-March 2024; the Executive Board would then submit a recommendation to the Board of Governors of the IMF in the form of a Membership Resolution.”

“Staff met with H.S.H. Hereditary Prince Alois, Prime Minister Risch, Deputy Prime Minister Monauni, members of Parliament, representatives of the Financial Market Authority (FMA), other government officials, representatives of the business and financial communities, and other stakeholders. The IMF team would like to thank the authorities and other stakeholders for their warm hospitality and engaging discussions. We are especially grateful to the FMA and the Ministry of Government Affairs and Finance for assistance with meeting and logistical arrangements.”