SECO’s IC Strategy: Reducing poverty and promoting sustainable economic growth
Private sector
The private sector creates the majority of all jobs worldwide and therefore plays a crucial role in reducing poverty. However, businesses often find it difficult to survive the start-up phase and grow, due to a lack of sustainable concepts, a well-trained workforce and capital. SECO therefore supports the private sector in developing and implementing sustainability standards and sustainable value chains. It also brings together public and private actors to support the training of skilled workers.
This results in vocational training programmes tailored to the needs of the labour market and take advantage of the opportunities offered by digitalisation. In collaboration with private actors, SECO develops innovative financing solutions to mobilise private capital for businesses and the public sector, focusing on effective investments. The federally-owned development finance company SIFEM is part of these efforts.
Public institutions
Efficient public institutions, robust financial and capital markets and stable economic and trade policies make it easier for people and businesses to seize economic opportunities, take risks and grow. That is why SECO helps its partner countries to stabilise their fiscal, financial and monetary policies. It supports them in managing a balanced budget and tax policy and in financing themselves as far as possible from their own tax revenues.
It also advises them on how to manage their debt and use digitalisation to make administration more efficient and prevent corruption. In addition, SECO works to create a non-bureaucratic business environment, for example to make it easier to start a business. To promote international trade in developing countries, it also advocates better market access, sustainable free trade agreements and the protection of intellectual property.
Infrastructure and urban development
Cities have the potential to generate economic growth and innovation. To achieve this, their populations depend on functioning basic public services. SECO therefore supports the authorities in planning their cities sustainably and in financing and operating the infrastructure for utility services, such as energy and water supply.
Renewable energies and energy efficiency as well as cooperation with the private sector play an important role in this regard. SECO also supports cities in reducing carbon emissions, for example by improving public transport, and in adapting to the consequences of natural disasters and climate change.
Together for sustainable prosperity
SECO works with governments, multilateral development banks, the private sector, non-governmental organisations and universities. It consistently takes into account good economic governance, gender equality and climate protection in its activities.
Exit Colombia – Entry Morocco
SECO will maintain its priority countries for 2025-28, with the exception of Colombia. The country has developed well economically and has been a member of the OECD since 2020. SECO plans to end economic development cooperation with Colombia by the end of 2028. Morocco - an important partner of Switzerland in North Africa - will now become a priority country.