To support its aims of cooperation with partner countries, SECO concentrates its efforts in the following areas of intervention:
- Macroeconomic Support (WEMU)
- Private Sector Development (WEIF)
- Trade Promotion (WEHU)
- Infrastructure Financing (WEIN)
Macroeconomic Support
A stable macroeconomic framework, market economy reforms and functional institutions are essential for economic development. Support measures aim at an appropriate monetary policy, a balanced financial budget, and a strong financial sector. Furthermore, SECO is responsible for providing effective debt relief measures to public debtors.
Private Sector Development
The development of the private industry and the promotion of private investment are crucial for job creation and sustainable growth. SECO contributes to the improvement of the business environment, enables small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to access funds, and supports SME business development by providing know-how.
Trade Promotion
Global trade liberalization creates new opportunities for all market players. Developing countries have comparative advantages which need to be used for the benefit of economic development and for job creation. SECO supports them in making better use of these opportunities by:
- promoting a socially responsible and environmentally friendly trade policy;
- strengthening the export potential of the companies in the partner countries through the dissemination of export know-how and the implementation of standards and labels;
- facilitating access to European markets.
The system of tariff preferences that facilitates access for developing countries to Swiss markets is also a key element of these measures.
Infrastructure Financing
SECO supports the provision of infrastructure in the fields of energy, environment, water, and transport. More specifically, this involves establishing or renovating public utility infrastructures, improving management of public utilities, and ensuring sound financing of operating and maintenance costs. SECO’s support should also provide public utilities with access to other sources of finance, such as public-private partnerships. It also contributes to improving energy efficiency and reducing environmental pollution.
