The geographical focus for this trilateral development cooperation is Central America and the Caribbean, the poorest regions in Latin America. Joint projects are being considered in the areas of agriculture, food security, health, disaster risk reduction and strengthening democratic institutions – thematic areas in which the SDC has extensive experience.
The agreement on trilateral development cooperation forms the basis for project agreements with third countries in which Mexico and Switzerland wish to contribute together to social and economic development. Better, more sustainable results can be achieved by pooling financial, human and technical resources. The agreement is also intended to facilitate the exchange of experiences between the two countries at the civil society, university and private-sector levels.
Moreover, it will help to further strengthen relations between Switzerland and Mexico. The two have already stepped-up their relations in recent years, with political consultations now held annually between their foreign ministries.
Switzerland signed similar agreements with Brazil in 2008 and at the start of 2013 with Chile. One outcome of these agreements has been the joint construction of sewer systems for towns in Nicaragua by Switzerland and Brazil. Experience shows that cooperation with emerging economies promotes affordable, context-specific development solutions and strengthens the global partnership for development, which Switzerland has undertaken to support.
The SDC has been active in Latin America for many years and focuses its bilateral commitment mainly on Central America and the Caribbean by means of close cooperation with Nicaragua, Honduras, Haiti and Cuba. The agreement on trilateral cooperation with Mexico strengthens these priority areas for Swiss development cooperation in Latin America.
Further information:
Bilateral Relations Switzerland – Mexico
The SDC's activities in Latin America and the Caribbean
Address for enquiries:
Information FDFA
Bundeshaus West
CH-3003 Bern
Tel.: +41 58 462 31 53
Fax: +41 58 464 90 47
E-Mail: info@eda.admin.ch
