BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 28. Switzerland is
taking a regional approach in the South Caucasus. Projects in
Azerbaijan are focused on macroeconomic support, improving the
framework conditions for the private sector, and enhancing the
business environment, the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic
Affairs (SECO) told Trend.
"Since the beginning of this year, Switzerland has been
implementing a new regional program for 2026-2029 in the South
Caucasus region, which builds on the results of previous programs
and at the same time strengthens the focus on priority areas. The
overall objective of the program is to promote human security and
sustainable peace, develop civic engagement and democratic
institutions, enhance climate resilience, and ensure sustainable
management of natural resources, as well as promote inclusive and
"green" economic opportunities.
Given the importance of this agenda, climate resilience is both
a separate priority area and a cross-cutting theme of the program,
which means that climate aspects are systematically integrated into
all projects," the secretariat reports.
In addition, it is noted that SECO is currently implementing
programs in Azerbaijan aimed at expanding access to finance for the
rural population and supporting innovation for small and
medium-sized enterprises, as well as selectively promoting
macroeconomic stability.
"Through regional programs, the Swiss Agency for Development and
Cooperation supports the initiative to create a network of geoparks
in the South Caucasus, which will not only protect biodiversity and
geological heritage, but also promote sustainable sources of income
and regional cooperation.
Taking into account the budget, Switzerland is considering the
possibility of launching new projects which, if implemented, will
take climate sustainability into account as a key priority of the
2026-2029 program," SECO reports.
According to the information, SECO maintains close coordination
with Swiss companies and relevant business associations and
encourages private sector participation where appropriate.
In addition, it is emphasized that SECO is simultaneously
promoting the creation of a favorable business environment aimed at
strengthening the role of private enterprise through its regional
cooperation program.
Opportunities for more active participation by Swiss companies
are also being discussed through bilateral government channels and
with business associations such as chambers of commerce and
industry, and Switzerland Global Enterprise.
The upcoming 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) will
be a good platform for establishing business contacts in an area
where Swiss companies and academia can offer their expertise.
Similarly, the development of logistics along transit corridors is
also of potential interest to leading Swiss companies.
According to the information, the final decision on investments
is made by the companies themselves.
"SECO pays particular attention to the modernization and
diversification of the financial sector, as well as the
strengthening of public finance management, drawing on Swiss
experience.
The initiatives supported have already yielded tangible results,
including improved quality and accessibility of advisory services
for agricultural SMEs, as well as the introduction of new
e-services that have significantly reduced costs.
SECO's goal is to consolidate and build on these achievements in
the coming years," the secretariat says.
