Switzerland's involvement in the South Caucasus is aimed at the needs and priorities of its three partner states in the region. It focuses on making economic development inclusive and sustainable, improving the efficiency of democratic institutions and human security.
South Caucasus (Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan)
Embassy | |
Mission / Delegation / Permanent Representation | |
Consulate general | |
Honorary representation | |
Cooperation office | |
Contribution Office | |
Embassy with Cooperation Office | |
Embassy with Regional consular center | |
Swiss Business Hub | |
Swissnex | |
City | |
Capital | |
Disputed border | |
River | |
Lake |
The South Caucasus continues to face unresolved conflicts and tensions. While the region is of geopolitical significance due to its importance in terms of connectivity and for energy supplies to Europe, persistent tensions affect people’s safety and are an obstacle to economic and social development. Thanks to its long-standing experience in the South Caucasus, Switzerland is seen as a trustworthy partner to support these former Soviet countries in their political transition. It fosters greater cooperation between them on common interests that are not politically sensitive such as trading in agricultural products and climate change adaptation.
Swiss Bilateral ODA |
2018 |
2019 |
2020* |
---|---|---|---|
mill. CHF |
mill. CHF |
mill. CHF |
|
Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) |
|||
Cooperation with Eastern Europe and Eurasia |
12.47 |
11.45 |
12.50 |
Humanitarian aid |
0.02 |
– |
– |
State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) |
|||
Economic Cooperation and Development |
3.60 |
3.49 |
3.37 |
Human Security Division (HSD) |
|||
Conflict transformation and human rights |
1.09 |
0.61 |
1.63 |
Total SDC/SECO/HSD |
17.18 |
15.55 |
17.50 |
Other Federal Offices |
|||
Network of FDFA representations abroad |
2.20 |
2.10 |
.. |
State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) |
0.11 |
0.08 |
.. |
Total other Federal Offices |
2.31 |
2.18 |
– |
Cantons and municipalities |
0.79 |
.. |
.. |
Total |
20.28 |
17.73 |
17.50 |
* planned; total based on available data
.. = figures not available | – = nil or amount < 5'000 CHF
Inclusive and sustainable economic development
Developing the agricultural sector in the region is a priority in order to sustain an income for the rural population. In practice, this involves integrating small-scale subsistence farms in the agricultural value chains, which allows farmers and small and medium-sized enterprises to sell their products on national and regional markets. It also enables them to access financial services to take out a loan, attend professional training courses to update their knowledge and get customised support.
Agriculture and food security
Basic education and vocational skills development
Private Sector Development and financial services
Effective democratic institutions, human safety and security
Inclusive and sustainable economic development requires functioning democratic institutions, respect for human rights and a secure environment. That is why Switzerland aims to improve the efficiency of governmental institutions. It focuses in particular on building capacities at the local administrative level so that they can provide good-quality services, and at the national level in terms of better management of public finances. Switzerland also engages in conflict resolution by promoting dialogue between the parties in question. In addition, it is involved in natural disaster risk reduction along with adaptation to climate change with a focus on the sustainable development of rural and mountain regions.
Moreover, with its engagement for arts and culture, Switzerland supports the creation of opportunities for artists from the three countries to exchange and to contribute to the discussion on the future of the region.
State and Economic Reforms
Fragility and violence impede poverty reduction
Disaster risk reduction, emergency relief, reconstruction and protection
Organisation and partners
Switzerland’s involvement in the South Caucasus dates back to the relief aid it provided during the devastating earthquake in northern Armenia in 1988. In 1999, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) opened a regional cooperation office in the Georgian capital Tbilisi. While Swiss Humanitarian Aid ended its activities in 2016, Swiss efforts focusing on cooperation and peacebuilding activities in the region will continue. The 2017-2020 cooperation strategy is implemented jointly by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), the FDFA's Human Security Division (HSD) and the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).
Switzerland’s key partners in the South Caucasus:
- Development partners (GIZ, ADA)
- Local and international NGOs
- Multilateral organisations e.g. UNDP, European Investment Bank, Bretton Woods institutions
- Civil society organisations
- Private sector
Links
Documents
Current projects
Strengthening the Anti-Corruption Committee of Armenia
01.12.2020
- 30.11.2022
In partnership with the OSCE, Switzerland supports the Armenian Government in establishing a new Anti-Corruption Committee (ACC). This specialized body will be key in investigating and combatting corruption crimes. Through capacity-building activities and policy support, the ACC will be in a position to contribute to curb corruption, strengthen the Anti-Corruption system and the rule-of-law in the context of the Government’s Anti-Corruption Strategy 2019.
Supporting Small-scale Dairy Production
01.10.2020
- 30.09.2024
This contribution aims at improving economic empowerment and resilience of women dairy producers in Abkhazia and Samegrelo. The protracted conflict in Abkhazia impedes socio-economic development, leading to high poverty and vulnerability to external shocks, as COVID-19. Women are particularly vulnerable, as they are also victims of gender-based discrimination and domestic violence. Farmer Field Schools will empower women by enhancing their technical and leadership skills.
Strengthening Livelihoods and Social Inclusion in Georgia's Forest Sector Reform
01.07.2020
- 30.06.2025
As part of a comprehensive forest sector reform, the proposed project contribution aims at diversifying livelihood opportunities of target forest dependent communities and at strengthening the local capacities in forest management in a sustainable manner. This is particularly relevant since up to 90% of Georgia’s rural households rely on forests for energy and other purposes, leading to progressive forest degradation. The COVID-19 crisis further aggravates economic hardship of the most vulnerable groups among them.
Improvement of the local self-governance system Armenia
01.07.2019
- 30.06.2023
Switzerland continues to support the national reform on territorial consolidation and decentralization which has been strongly confirmed by the new Government. On one hand, necessary framework conditions will be developed to finalize the amalgamation process. On the other hand, the municipalities will be capacitated to provide efficient and quality administrative services to their citizens and to incentivize local development. Citizen participation will be emphasized to render local authorities more accountable and local development more inclusive.
Improving farm productivity in Georgia through dual vocational education and training
01.09.2018
- 31.08.2022
Agriculture is Georgia's most important sector. However, farming remains uncompetitive as farmers' skills are out of step with the job market and technological developments. Switzerland is continuing to support vocational education and training to improve productivity, farm income and the employment situation for students of agriculture.
Country/region | Topic | Period | Budget |
---|---|---|---|
Georgia |
Vocational training Agriculture & food security Employment & economic development
Vocational training
Agricultural services & market
Rural development
|
01.09.2018 - 31.08.2022 |
CHF 7'303'140 |
Fostering Regional and Local Development in Georgia
07.12.2017
- 31.12.2021
Thanks to this project 23 municipalities in 4 regions of Georgia (over 900’000 inhabitants) are able to support citizens and local businesses in setting up economic development initiatives. This in turn will generate additional employment and attract investment to rural areas.
Livestock Development expanding from South to North in the South Caucasus
01.12.2017
- 31.08.2021
Livestock farming is the main economic activity for most poor households in rural areas of Armenia and Georgia. Through better access to services, inputs and markets, as well as effective management of natural resources, farmers in Armenia are expected to substantially improve their livelihood. Strengthening regional links and access to regional markets of animal and animal products will also make the livestock sector more profitable and increase its competitiveness, hereby contributing to higher incomes and employment for farmers in rural Armenia and Georgia.
Strengthening the Climate Adaptation Capacities in the South Caucasus
10.11.2017
- 14.11.2023
The project will (i) facilitate the development of multi-hazard mapping and risk assessment methodology enabling 1.7 million inhabitants’ reduced exposure towards climate-induced hazards in Georgia; (ii) contribute to the safer livelihoods and infrastructure of 373’800 residents in ten municipalities by developing response and preparedness plans; and (iii) foster evidence-based policymaking and advocacy on climate adaptation, natural hazards and mountain development in the South Caucasus.
A more inclusive job market for women in the South Caucasus
01.11.2017
- 31.07.2021
In the three countries of the South Caucasus (Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia), many women face job market discrimination. In the absence of policy to create equal opportunities and jobs for women in the formal economy, women work unprotected in the informal sector. The Women’s Economic Empowerment in the South Caucasus project seeks to promote women's economic empowerment to facilitate their equal access to employment and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Country/region | Topic | Period | Budget |
---|---|---|---|
South Caucasus |
Gender
Women’s equality organisations and institutions
|
01.11.2017 - 31.07.2021 |
CHF 3'763'327 |
Regional Arts and Culture Project in the South Caucasus
01.10.2017
- 30.09.2021
By providing a platform for the development of contemporary art, the Regional Arts and Culture Project promotes intercultural dialogues and exchanges in the South Caucasus. Implemented in collaboration with partners based in Georgia and networks in Armenia and Azerbaijan, the project aims at supporting visual arts (documentary film and photography), building up professional capacities, engaging civil society, and boosting local art scenes with a small grants’ fund.
Higher Income in the South Caucasus Thanks to Competitive Agricultural Products
01.04.2017
- 31.03.2022
Livestock farming is an important source of income for a large part of the rural population in Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan. But many farmers live from subsistence farming and produce just enough food for their own needs. The aims of the project are to strengthen smallholder farms and to provide them with access to markets. This way, farmers can sell their honey, meat, cheese and wool products, and sustainably increase their incomes.
Country/region | Topic | Period | Budget |
---|---|---|---|
South Caucasus |
Employment & economic development Agriculture & food security
SME development
Agricultural development
|
01.04.2017 - 31.03.2022 |
CHF 5'100'000 |
Supporting livestock traceability in the South Caucasus
15.06.2016
- 31.12.2021
Identifying where animals have come from and recording information about their health is essential in modern agriculture to prevent the spread of diseases and stop products from diseased animals reaching the market. A system to ensure traceability will help to improve the incomes of farmers in the South Caucasus by increasing both herd productivity and the producers’ access to markets.
Country/region | Topic | Period | Budget |
---|---|---|---|
South Caucasus |
Agriculture & food security
Agriculture value-chain development (til 2016)
|
15.06.2016 - 31.12.2021 |
CHF 5'935'000 |