Andorra’s business confederation calls for more payment options to compete in the digital economy

The Andorran Business Confederation (CEA) argues that expanding digital payment options would help the country’s companies compete more effectively and develop new business opportunities.

Its director, Iago Andreu, believes Andorra needs to improve access to these tools, which are particularly relevant to businesses operating in the digital economy.

Speaking to La Veu Lliure, Andreu stressed that “anything that opens up new payment options makes doing business easier and creates new business opportunities”, He identifies payment gateway licensing as an important factor in supporting the development of new business models.

His comments reflect the difficulties Andorran businesses face in accessing services such as Stripe and certain features of other payment platforms. The CEA believes that a wider range of alternatives would simplify business operations and create more opportunities for growth.

Andorra remains outside Stripe’s list of supported countries

Andorra does not appear on the official list of territories where Stripe allows businesses established locally to open accounts directly. Spain and France are included, as are Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Norway. This restriction concerns businesses signing up for the service; it does not mean that Andorran consumers cannot make purchases on websites that use Stripe.

The comparison also shows that Stripe’s availability is not limited to European Union members, as several non-EU countries are supported. The list alone does not explain why Andorra has yet to be included.

More opportunities for digital businesses

Andreu argues that the debate should go beyond moving existing shops’ sales online. It must also consider business activities and models that can emerge entirely within the digital economy, where payment processing tools are an important part of day-to-day operations.

From this perspective, expanding payment options would make it easier for businesses to develop these projects from Andorra. The confederation links this goal to the need to improve the conditions under which the country’s companies compete internationally.

Digital tools to strengthen physical retail

The CEA director distinguishes these needs from those of traditional retail. For physical shops, he considers online sales a potentially useful addition, but not necessarily the core of the business.

“Andorra’s retail sector should use digital tools to help grow its in-store, physical business,” he says. The aim is for digitalisation to strengthen each shop’s business model and expand its commercial opportunities.

CEA links access difficulties to a lack of international alignment

Andreu places payment gateway restrictions within a broader discussion about aligning Andorra’s economy with international standards. In his view, a lack of alignment has practical consequences for businesses.

“We have often seen how the cost of being a country that is out of step with international standards also manifests itself in practical issues like this,” he says.

Against this backdrop, the CEA director reiterates the confederation’s support for international alignment, double taxation agreements and the association agreement with the European Union.

His remarks, however, do not identify any commitment from Stripe or PayPal to expand their services in Andorra. The business confederation’s call is for progress towards giving companies more tools to operate and grow in the digital economy.