SECO will continue its work in North Africa in the scope of the economic development cooperation. As part of the Federal Council's North Africa programme, SECO will continue to focus on Egypt and Tunisia and, complementary, on Morocco. The programmes have been intensified and expanded further since 2011. Other commitments, on a smaller scale, shall be continued with EFTA partners Jordan and Lebanon. Disbursements of up to CHF 155m are planned until the end of 2016.

The countries of the region face enormous economic and political challenges. It is necessary to react appropriately and to support those countries. The political changes and the planned reforms offer new avenues to target specific needs. SECO will thereby be able to build on its continued presence in North Africa and its long-standing experience of collaborating with local partners. SECO's involvement will draw from its proven expertise and will be tailored specifically to the partner countries' needs.

Selected SECO projects in support of the reforms

SECO is conducting various projects in Egypt and Tunisia that show particular promise in the current situation. They have great potential to play an important role in the planned reforms. For example: