CEA calls for access to payment gateways such as PayPal and Stripe to support new businesses in Andorra

The director of the Andorran Business Confederation (CEA), Iago Andreu, says Andorra must take steps to expand digital payment options and facilitate the development of new business models. 

Speaking to La Veu Lliure, he argues that greater choice in this area could create business opportunities, while distinguishing between the role these tools can play in the digital economy and their contribution to traditional retail.

“Opening up new payment options makes doing business easier and creates new opportunities”, Andreu says, when asked about the difficulties businesses in Andorra face in accessing gateways such as PayPal or Stripe, and the need for progress on regulatory alignment and licensing.

The business confederation’s director believes the debate should focus on the businesses that can emerge from the digital economy, for which he considers payment gateway licences “a very important component”.

New business models beyond traditional retail

Andreu argues that the discussion about e-commerce should go beyond moving existing shops’ activities online. He also sees potential in developing new business models within the digital economy.

For traditional retailers, however, he believes online sales can provide a useful additional channel without necessarily becoming the core of their business. His preferred approach is for shops to use digital tools to strengthen their physical operations.

“Andorra’s retail sector must use digital tools to help grow its in-person, physical business,” he says. Along these lines, he warns that “traditional retailers will gain little from becoming Amazon wholesalers”.

This distinction highlights two separate needs: enabling digital businesses to emerge and grow, and helping physical retailers adopt tools that strengthen their existing business models.

The practical cost of limited international alignment

The CEA director also links payment difficulties to Andorra’s position within the international economy. He argues that a lack of alignment can have tangible consequences for companies’ day-to-day operations.

“We have often seen how the cost of being a country that is out of alignment also manifests itself in practical issues such as this one,” he says.

Andreu therefore places access to payment gateways within a broader discussion about the conditions under which Andorran companies can operate and develop. 

For the business confederation, advancing international alignment is a way to facilitate business activity and expand commercial opportunities.

The business confederation reaffirms its support for the association agreement

In this context, Andreu reiterates the CEA’s “full support” for bringing Andorra’s economy into alignment with international standards. He places membership of the International Monetary Fund, double taxation agreements and the association agreement with the European Union within this approach.

The confederation’s director argues that the latter should enable “balanced participation in the European Union’s internal market”.