Andorran Family Business Association Pushes State Pacts on Housing, Pensions

The Andorran Family Business Association (EFA) has called for state pacts to tackle housing shortages and pension sustainability, alongside a public-private investment fund for strategic sectors, as outlined during a media briefing at its headquarters this Tuesday.

EFA president Daniel Aristot described the state pact ideas as highly preliminary, drawing from experiences in other countries to address citizen-focused issues beyond partisan divides. He highlighted housing as a key area, noting the association's prior support for public-private partnerships and its willingness to provide options to policymakers. Pensions, Aristot added, could similarly benefit from such cross-party commitments.

EFA technical secretary Joan Tomàs detailed the need for pension reforms through higher contributions from both retirement and sickness branches to balance CASS revenues with expenditures. He rejected reliance on increased taxes, advocating personal savings and employer-led complementary plans instead. While the concepts have been intellectually mapped out, Tomàs said political commitment is now essential.

The investment fund proposal, inspired by Canadian models, remains in early exploration with no draft prepared. Aristot explained it would target national priority sectors through public-private collaboration to foster innovation and future solutions, offering the ideas to government and political parties.

Vice-president Paula Tarrado emphasised retaining young talent, urging the creation of high-value-added companies to draw back Andorrans studying abroad, such as those returning from four years in New York. She stressed combining infrastructure, business culture, technology, administrative ease, and adaptability to attract growing firms.

Improved external connectivity also featured prominently, with Tomàs noting its importance for international professionals and the airport's potential to enhance business, trade, and diversification through more flights to Spain, France, and beyond. Aristot praised family businesses for evolving—citing examples like Polaroid's shift from cameras to eyewear—while monitoring public sector growth. He called for the next government, post-next year's elections, to sustain dialogue with EFA, the Chamber of Commerce, and CEA, leveraging Andorra's scale for effective discussions.