Press releases
Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin with business delegation in Indonesia
The head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin, will lead an economic mission to Indonesia from 30 September to 3 October. The purpose of the visit is to deepen bilateral economic relations.
Switzerland promotes the competitiveness of Ukraine’s economy
Switzerland is committed to supporting Ukraine’s economic recovery over the long term. The Federal Council therefore approved funding of CHF 30 million for the ‘Competitiveness for Recovery Ukraine 2026–2030’ programme at its meeting on 19 September.
Twelve projects with Swiss companies for Ukraine’s reconstruction
During a visit to Switzerland by Ukrainian Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko, the two countries announced projects involving Swiss companies that will be supported as part of Ukraine's reconstruction. The twelve projects receiving funding are in the areas of infrastructure (energy, housing), public transport, health and humanitarian demining. The Swiss private sector will therefore be able to support Ukraine's reconstruction efforts through its expertise and innovative, high-quality products.
Switzerland reaffirms its commitment to reconstruction at the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2025 in Rome
The Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC) has been held since 2022 to coordinate reconstruction efforts in Ukraine. At this year's conference, which took place in Rome from 10 to 11 July, the head of the Swiss delegation, Jacques Gerber, signed an international treaty with Ukraine. This forms the legal basis for increased cooperation with the Swiss private sector in reconstruction. Projects in the areas of health, education and war risk insurance were also approved.
Switzerland attends 4th International Conference on Financing for Development
Switzerland will be participating in the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) in Seville, Spain, from 30 June to 3 July 2025. Organised under the auspices of the United Nations, this global event aims to address financing challenges in order to help achieve the 2030 Agenda’s Sustainable Development Goals. The conference will cover a wide range of issues relating to development policy, environmental, economic and social sustainability, and macroeconomics. The Swiss delegation is being led by Patricia Danzi, director general of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).
Bilateral agreement with Ukraine
At its meeting on 25 June, the Federal Council approved the draft of a bilateral cooperation agreement between Switzerland and Ukraine on reconstruction of the country. The draft agreement would establish the legal basis for closer involvement of the Swiss private sector in Ukraine's reconstruction process. This agreement will be signed at the 2025 Ukraine Recovery Conference to be held in Rome. Once signed, the Federal Council will initiate a consultation procedure and submit a corresponding dispatch to the Swiss parliament for ratification.
Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin signs free trade agreement with Malaysia
On 23 June, on the sidelines of the EFTA Ministerial Conference in Tromsø, Norway, a free trade agreement was signed by Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin and representatives of fellow EFTA countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway with the Malaysian Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Mr Tengku Zafrul Aziz.
OECD publishes development cooperation peer review on Switzerland
On 16 June 2025, the OECD published its latest development cooperation peer review on Switzerland. The peer review takes place as part of a regular review process that the 33 members of the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) undergo every six years. The report recognises the continuous development of Swiss international cooperation and formulates recommendations.
Federal Council to strengthen SIFEM AG with additional share capital
On 21 May, the Federal Council decided to increase the capital of SIFEM AG by CHF 75 million. This will enable the federal development finance institution to stabilise its investment volume at CHF 150 million.
Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin on a working visit to Poland
Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin will visit Poland on 14 and 15 May. During his visit he will sign a memorandum of understanding to strengthen cooperation in education, research and innovation (ERI). Bilateral ministerial meetings are also planned, focusing on ERI and business. The programme will conclude with a visit to the renowned Impact'25 innovation fair.
Switzerland steps up its support for Africa
The Federal Council wants to contribute towards increasing the guarantee capital of the African Development Bank (AfDB). It is requesting Parliament to approve a guarantee credit of CHF 1.56 billion, as decided on 30 April. This would strengthen Switzerland's influence in the AfDB and help to further sustainable and inclusive economic development in Africa.
Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin to travel to Slovenia
Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin will travel to Slovenia on 11 April for a one-day bilateral visit. The programme includes talks with the prime minister and the minister for economic affairs, visits to Swiss companies and discussions with the business community. Mr Parmelin will also sign the bilateral implementation agreement relating to Switzerland's second contribution to Slovenia.
Signing of modernised free trade agreement between EFTA and Ukraine
On 8 April, the EFTA States and Ukraine signed a modernised free trade agreement (FTA) in Kyiv. Switzerland is thereby continuing its successful free trade policy and strengthening the competitiveness of its economy. By signing this agreement, Switzerland is strengthening its partnership and demonstrating its solidarity with the country at this critical time. The Federal Council approved the agreement on 2 April.
Business, innovation and sustainability: the International Cooperation Forum 2025 debates the future of international cooperation
The fourth International Cooperation Forum (IC Forum), which focused economic development, ended today at ETH Zurich. Participants including federal councillors Guy Parmelin and Ignazio Cassis discussed the importance of local initiatives and cooperation between the private and public sectors. The IC Award was also presented to three Swiss companies for their innovations in the field of development cooperation. Over 1,500 people took part in the forum, both in person and online.
Support for reconstruction: Federal Council adopts 2025–28 country programme for Ukraine
The 2025–28 country programme marks the start of a twelve-year federal support process for reconstruction, reform and sustainable development in Ukraine. At its meeting on 12 February, the Federal Council defined the priorities of the country programme, namely protection of the civilian population, peace, economic recovery and strengthening institutions. CHF 1.5 billion from the international cooperation budget has been earmarked up to 2028. Ambassador Jacques Gerber, the Federal Council's delegate for Ukraine, is responsible for implementing the country programme.
Negotiating mandate for treaty with Ukraine
At its meeting on 29 January, the Federal Council approved the negotiating mandate for an international treaty between Switzerland and Ukraine. In the process of rebuilding Ukraine, this will provide a legal basis for increased cooperation with the Swiss private sector.
Switzerland and Ukraine launch private sector partnership for reconstruction
On 23 January, at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland and Ukraine signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at expanding the role of Swiss businesses operating in Ukraine in the country's recovery. The MoU was signed by Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin and First Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine Yulia Svyrydenko.
New winter support package for Ukraine: Switzerland helping to repair destroyed homes and energy infrastructure
Due to the intensified Russian attacks, large parts of the Ukrainian population are suffering from cuts to power and heating. Switzerland is helping Ukraine to cope with the challenges of winter with almost CHF 45 million. The funds will be used to restore energy infrastructure, renovate damaged homes and meet urgent humanitarian needs.
SIFEM AG: Strategic objectives renewed
On 6 December, the Federal Council approved the strategic objectives of SIFEM AG for 2025–2028. Its current strategy has proven effective in times of political and economic uncertainty: SIFEM should continue to finance private companies in developing countries and emerging markets and help mobilise additional capital from the private sector.
Switzerland at 2024 IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings and G20 Finance Ministers Meeting in Washington
Federal Councillors Karin Keller-Sutter and Guy Parmelin, accompanied by Martin Schlegel, Chairman of the Governing Board of the Swiss National Bank, will attend the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank in Washington from 23 to 25 October 2024. A meeting of G20 finance ministers and central bank governors will also take place during the Annual Meetings. The Swiss delegation will additionally use the event for bilateral talks.
Switzerland to increase financial support for Ukraine
Switzerland is to contribute CHF 96.11 million to the increase in capital of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) for Ukraine. The Federal Council adopted the corresponding dispatch on 13 September, thus strengthening Switzerland’s commitment to Ukraine.
Ignazio Cassis in Central Asia for talks focusing on economy and international cooperation
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis' trip to Central Asia ends today. The head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) visited Tajikistan before travelling on to Kyrgyzstan. Both countries are part of Switzerland's voting group in the Bretton Woods institutions, and the trip reaffirmed the strong cooperation among the group's members. There was also praise for the positive results of international cooperation programmes in the fields of digitalisation and water.
Meeting of Swiss Bretton Woods constituency in Dushanbe
Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter and Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, together with Swiss National Bank Chairman Thomas Jordan, will travel to Dushanbe in Tajikistan from 1 to 3 July 2024. There, they will meet with the members of the Swiss constituency in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, the two Bretton Woods institutions. Both Federal Councillors will take the opportunity to hold bilateral talks with representatives of the constituency. Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will then travel to Kyrgyzstan.
Ukraine: Federal Council wants to involve private sector more in recovery efforts
The Swiss private sector is to play a key role in Ukraine's recovery. Switzerland's Federal Council plans to make CHF 500 million available over the next four years to better involve the private sector in these efforts. The funds will come from the CHF 1.5 billion earmarked for Ukraine in the International Cooperation Strategy 2025–28. In addition, the Federal Council intends to provide CHF 66 million to support early recovery in the east of the country as well as the reconstruction and modernisation of basic infrastructure in the areas of energy security, water supply and public transport. All of this was decided by the Federal Council at its meeting on 26 June 2024.
United for greater sustainability in the coffee sector
The Swiss Sustainable Coffee Platform (SSCP) was launched in Bern on 6 June 2024 with the participation of Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin. Its aim is to join forces to improve sustainability in the coffee sector. This is a multi-stakeholder initiative by the Swiss coffee industry, the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), civil society and academia.
Flexible approaches in an unstable world: Federal Council adopts Switzerland's International Cooperation Strategy 2025–28
At its meeting on 22 May 2024, the Federal Council adopted the Dispatch on the International Cooperation Strategy 2025–28 (IC Strategy 2025–28). The dispatch outlines the objectives and priorities of Switzerland's international cooperation for the next four years and proposes them to Parliament for approval. The IC Strategy 2025–28 provides for a budget of CHF 11.27 billion over four years. In light of an ever-changing world, the strategy pursues long-term objectives – combating poverty and promoting sustainable development – while maintaining a high degree of flexibility to respond to the many current crises.
Sustainable infrastructure in developing countries
The Blue Dot Network has launched a secretariat at the OECD in Paris with the aim of implementing the standards created by the network for high-quality and sustainable infrastructure in emerging and developing countries and attracting investment.
Berner und Zürcher Trams drehen bald in der Ukraine ihre Runden
Die ukrainischen Städte Lviv und Vinnytsa müssen Teile ihrer Tramflotte ersetzen. Dazu haben sie die Schweiz um Unterstützung angefragt. Die Städte Bern und Zürich stellen 11 bzw. voraussichtlich 67 ausgemusterte aber voll einsatzfähige Trams zur Verfügung. Das SECO organisiert und finanziert den Transport in die Ukraine und die Ausbildung von Angestellten der ukrainischen Verkehrsbetriebe. Dies haben das SECO und BERNMOBIL am 12. Januar mitgeteilt.
Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin with business delegation in Indonesia
The head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin, will lead an economic mission to Indonesia from 30 September to 3 October. The purpose of the visit is to deepen bilateral economic relations.
Switzerland promotes the competitiveness of Ukraine’s economy
Switzerland is committed to supporting Ukraine’s economic recovery over the long term. The Federal Council therefore approved funding of CHF 30 million for the ‘Competitiveness for Recovery Ukraine 2026–2030’ programme at its meeting on 19 September.
Twelve projects with Swiss companies for Ukraine’s reconstruction
During a visit to Switzerland by Ukrainian Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko, the two countries announced projects involving Swiss companies that will be supported as part of Ukraine's reconstruction. The twelve projects receiving funding are in the areas of infrastructure (energy, housing), public transport, health and humanitarian demining. The Swiss private sector will therefore be able to support Ukraine's reconstruction efforts through its expertise and innovative, high-quality products.
Switzerland reaffirms its commitment to reconstruction at the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2025 in Rome
The Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC) has been held since 2022 to coordinate reconstruction efforts in Ukraine. At this year's conference, which took place in Rome from 10 to 11 July, the head of the Swiss delegation, Jacques Gerber, signed an international treaty with Ukraine. This forms the legal basis for increased cooperation with the Swiss private sector in reconstruction. Projects in the areas of health, education and war risk insurance were also approved.
Switzerland attends 4th International Conference on Financing for Development
Switzerland will be participating in the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) in Seville, Spain, from 30 June to 3 July 2025. Organised under the auspices of the United Nations, this global event aims to address financing challenges in order to help achieve the 2030 Agenda’s Sustainable Development Goals. The conference will cover a wide range of issues relating to development policy, environmental, economic and social sustainability, and macroeconomics. The Swiss delegation is being led by Patricia Danzi, director general of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).
Bilateral agreement with Ukraine
At its meeting on 25 June, the Federal Council approved the draft of a bilateral cooperation agreement between Switzerland and Ukraine on reconstruction of the country. The draft agreement would establish the legal basis for closer involvement of the Swiss private sector in Ukraine's reconstruction process. This agreement will be signed at the 2025 Ukraine Recovery Conference to be held in Rome. Once signed, the Federal Council will initiate a consultation procedure and submit a corresponding dispatch to the Swiss parliament for ratification.
Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin signs free trade agreement with Malaysia
On 23 June, on the sidelines of the EFTA Ministerial Conference in Tromsø, Norway, a free trade agreement was signed by Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin and representatives of fellow EFTA countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway with the Malaysian Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Mr Tengku Zafrul Aziz.
OECD publishes development cooperation peer review on Switzerland
On 16 June 2025, the OECD published its latest development cooperation peer review on Switzerland. The peer review takes place as part of a regular review process that the 33 members of the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) undergo every six years. The report recognises the continuous development of Swiss international cooperation and formulates recommendations.
Federal Council to strengthen SIFEM AG with additional share capital
On 21 May, the Federal Council decided to increase the capital of SIFEM AG by CHF 75 million. This will enable the federal development finance institution to stabilise its investment volume at CHF 150 million.
Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin on a working visit to Poland
Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin will visit Poland on 14 and 15 May. During his visit he will sign a memorandum of understanding to strengthen cooperation in education, research and innovation (ERI). Bilateral ministerial meetings are also planned, focusing on ERI and business. The programme will conclude with a visit to the renowned Impact'25 innovation fair.
Switzerland steps up its support for Africa
The Federal Council wants to contribute towards increasing the guarantee capital of the African Development Bank (AfDB). It is requesting Parliament to approve a guarantee credit of CHF 1.56 billion, as decided on 30 April. This would strengthen Switzerland's influence in the AfDB and help to further sustainable and inclusive economic development in Africa.
Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin to travel to Slovenia
Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin will travel to Slovenia on 11 April for a one-day bilateral visit. The programme includes talks with the prime minister and the minister for economic affairs, visits to Swiss companies and discussions with the business community. Mr Parmelin will also sign the bilateral implementation agreement relating to Switzerland's second contribution to Slovenia.
Signing of modernised free trade agreement between EFTA and Ukraine
On 8 April, the EFTA States and Ukraine signed a modernised free trade agreement (FTA) in Kyiv. Switzerland is thereby continuing its successful free trade policy and strengthening the competitiveness of its economy. By signing this agreement, Switzerland is strengthening its partnership and demonstrating its solidarity with the country at this critical time. The Federal Council approved the agreement on 2 April.
Business, innovation and sustainability: the International Cooperation Forum 2025 debates the future of international cooperation
The fourth International Cooperation Forum (IC Forum), which focused economic development, ended today at ETH Zurich. Participants including federal councillors Guy Parmelin and Ignazio Cassis discussed the importance of local initiatives and cooperation between the private and public sectors. The IC Award was also presented to three Swiss companies for their innovations in the field of development cooperation. Over 1,500 people took part in the forum, both in person and online.
Support for reconstruction: Federal Council adopts 2025–28 country programme for Ukraine
The 2025–28 country programme marks the start of a twelve-year federal support process for reconstruction, reform and sustainable development in Ukraine. At its meeting on 12 February, the Federal Council defined the priorities of the country programme, namely protection of the civilian population, peace, economic recovery and strengthening institutions. CHF 1.5 billion from the international cooperation budget has been earmarked up to 2028. Ambassador Jacques Gerber, the Federal Council's delegate for Ukraine, is responsible for implementing the country programme.
Negotiating mandate for treaty with Ukraine
At its meeting on 29 January, the Federal Council approved the negotiating mandate for an international treaty between Switzerland and Ukraine. In the process of rebuilding Ukraine, this will provide a legal basis for increased cooperation with the Swiss private sector.
Switzerland and Ukraine launch private sector partnership for reconstruction
On 23 January, at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland and Ukraine signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at expanding the role of Swiss businesses operating in Ukraine in the country's recovery. The MoU was signed by Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin and First Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine Yulia Svyrydenko.
New winter support package for Ukraine: Switzerland helping to repair destroyed homes and energy infrastructure
Due to the intensified Russian attacks, large parts of the Ukrainian population are suffering from cuts to power and heating. Switzerland is helping Ukraine to cope with the challenges of winter with almost CHF 45 million. The funds will be used to restore energy infrastructure, renovate damaged homes and meet urgent humanitarian needs.
SIFEM AG: Strategic objectives renewed
On 6 December, the Federal Council approved the strategic objectives of SIFEM AG for 2025–2028. Its current strategy has proven effective in times of political and economic uncertainty: SIFEM should continue to finance private companies in developing countries and emerging markets and help mobilise additional capital from the private sector.