Priorities

With a reduction to 12 priority countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America and to 6 special programmes the SDC has consolidated by the year 2012 its geographic concentration of activities in the South.

Approximately 800 projects and programs are currently in progress. Bilateral development cooperation activities are planned and implemented together with local partners within the scope of country programs lasting several years. In addition to government authorities, such partners generally also include civilian actors (associations, nongovernmental organizations, the private sector, grass roots groups, etc.).

Conditions
Bilateral cooperation’s partner countries are chosen according to the following criteria:

Needs
General poverty, desperate living conditions, great vulnerability and the likelihood of crises
Potential
General conditions favorable to a development policy; good governance; determination to promote the rule of law, democracy and human rights
Comparative advantages of the SDC
Experience with similar situations; involvement of priority themes and basic expertise; opportunity to participate in formulating policy
Swiss political interests
First, participation in special peace programs or social transformation processes; aid to remove development bottlenecks, particularly following complex crises or catastrophes; measures to reduce migration; obligations deriving from membership in international organizations and participation in conferences