The Economic Cooperation and Development division implements Swiss economic and trade policy measures for the benefit of developing countries.
SECO contributes to economic growth and sustainable prosperity in its partner countries. To this end it supports the creation of reliable economic framework conditions and innovative private-sector initiatives. Together with other federal agencies, SECO also defines Switzerland’s multilateral cooperation. Finally, it has also been involved in reducing economic and social disparities in selected countries of the European Union. This contribution is part of Switzerland’s European policy.
SECO focuses on eight business lines:
- Growth-promoting economic policy
- Rules-based trade system
- Innovation-friendly business environment
- Urban development and infrastructure services
- Access to financing
- Integration in value chains
- Corporate Social Responsibility
- Market-oriented skills
SECO implements roughly 300 programmes and projects each year in 13 priority countries in the south and in the east. In some developing countries, SECO supports other federal agencies with complementary measures. SECO’s activities focus on the long term. Gender equality as well as climate and resource efficiency are systematically considered.
Last modification 08.04.2022
