For the SDC, local economic development is not just an economic matter but a cooperative approach which provides an excellent tool for bringing together different interest groups to agree on local cooperation that can help create jobs and income, in addition to improving governance.

SDC focus

Moreover, local economic development can also strengthen governance at national level. In countries like Kosovo or Burkina Faso, the SDC conducts local economic development activities which have been implemented simultaneously in several towns. This has enabled municipalities (or rather territories, because each town has close links with its peri-urban and rural hinterland) to exchange information and experience that are specific to them. This has led to better cooperation among local authorities and thus added weight to the local dimension in dialogue with central government.

Background

Local economic development brings together various stakeholders from civil society, as well as the public and private sectors. Its goal is to promote cooperation so as to develop a given area. Cooperation is a key factor in governance. Local economic development (LED) triggers a political process in which the protagonists have to negotiate the priorities bearing in mind the limited human and financial resources at their disposal.

Forces that drive the economy

Economic considerations drive the private sector. Cooperation on creating public goods, such as improved framework conditions for investment, calls for a private-public collaboration that is built into concrete projects ("We'll build the road, and you'll build the factory. You tell us what's not right about the investment climate, and we'll put it right."). In this way, combined LED efforts create new business prospects. The public sector needs the private sector for local economic development.

In virtually every country, it is the private sector that creates most jobs and generates income, and jobs and income are a priority for the public sector's customers and voters. Poverty reduction and – perhaps more important for a civil servant – re-election of the mayor and his staff depend on the generation of income.

Governance as a process

Civil society, like local associations, should also be part of planning and implementing development projects in which the economic dimension is obviously not the only issue at stake. The State and local government do not cover all the ground. So the three stakeholder groups – the public and private sectors and civil society – negotiate and cooperate on the basis of concrete information derived from evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the local economy, as well as the opportunities and risks involved. This dynamic exchange between partners improves governance at local level.

Current projects

Object 853 – 864 of 971

Global Water Security and Sanitation Partnership (GWSP) - Phase II

01.11.2019 - 30.06.2023

The GWSP is a leading global "think tank" of the World Bank to address the water and sanitation challenge in an integrated manner, as set out in the Sustainable Development Goals. GWSP advances innovative global knowledge production and exchange as well as builds capacity through country-level support across regions.


Naryn Wastewater Rehabilitation Project - Phase II

01.11.2019 - 31.12.2023

The Naryn Wastewater Rehabilitation Project will support the city of Naryn and the municipal water company in providing a climate change resilient, reliable and sustainable access to sanitation for the city?s 39?000 inhabitants.


Market Access of Products of Terroir - Tunisia, Phase II

01.10.2019 - 31.12.2024

Improving the valorization of typical origin-based Tunisian products through a value chain approach is key to increase overall market access and employment opportunities. UNIDO and the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI) will consolidate and upscale the approach and results of the previous SECO project.


Water Sector Performance and Investment Programme (WPIP)

01.10.2019 - 31.12.2026

WPIP aims for service improvement in the water supply and sewerage sector for up to 50% of Albania?s urban population. It combines infrastructure investments with comprehensive corporate development support to water utilities, strengthens the water sector framework and implements storm water reduction and integrity management measures.


EGPS Umbrella Trust Fund 2019-2025

01.10.2019 - 31.12.2025

The Extractive Global Programmatic Support umbrella trust fund aims to improve the ability and capacity of current and emerging resource-dependent developing countries in using their oil, gas and mineral resources transparently for poverty alleviation, economic diversification, and sustainable and inclusive economic growth.


Technopark Serbia 2 - boosting exports through technoparks

01.09.2019 - 31.12.2023

The overall objective of the project is to increase the competitiveness of the Serbian high-tech industry by developing a scalable model for Science Technology Parks (STP) in Serbia and implementing it in Ni? and Èaèak, thus contributing to increased revenues and exports from high-tech companies and job creation.


Sustainable tourism in Morocco

01.09.2019 - 31.03.2025

The first phase of this project in Morocco aims at supporting the provinces of Azilal and Béni Mellal to develop a sustainable rural tourism with integrated sectors in order to reduce poverty, generate income opportunities, create new jobs and improve existing jobs in this region, especially for young people and women.


Kosovo: Corporate Development Support for Wastewater Sector

01.08.2019 - 31.12.2022

On its path to achieving EU candidate status, Kosovo aims to comply with EU standards. Only 2% of its wastewater is currently treated, which results in contaminated rivers and groundwater. SECO can capitalize on previous Swiss achievements for supporting the capacity and corporate development in Kosovo?s wastewater sector.


Quality Food Trade in Ukraine

01.07.2019 - 31.08.2023

The program aims at increasing value addition in domestic and export trade by strengthening product quality and safety as well as trade capacities in the organic and dairy sector in Ukraine.


Sustainable Tourism - Southeast Destination

01.07.2019 - 31.12.2023

This project aims to contribute to the attractiveness of Southeast Tunisia and to improve the income and living conditions of the local population, through new approaches to sustainable, diversified and inclusive tourism. Swiss and UE programmes will work in synergy and disseminate the DMOs approach, developped in the previous SECO project.


Swiss Entrepreneurship Program, Phase II

01.07.2019 - 30.06.2023

The Swiss Entrepreneurship Program supports entrepreneurs in developing their growth-oriented businesses. They are the key drivers of innovation, economic growth and job creation.


Program for promoting sustainable investment through integrated ESG Standards

01.07.2019 - 30.06.2024

Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices and standards are essential for private sector investments, which play a critical role in the 2030 Global Agenda. They ensure that investments deliver sustainable and inclusive development results, driving long-term business success and forging confidence among stakeholders.

Object 853 – 864 of 971