Швейцария объявляет трехлетнюю программу сотрудничества для Южного Кавказа

Baku/13.12.21/Turan: The Swiss government intends to implement an international cooperation programme for the South Caucasus for 2022-2025. This was announced on Monday by the Embassy of Switzerland in Baku.

Swiss Ambassador Muriel Puniveira pointed out that the support program in Azerbaijan has been implemented since 1999. Initially it covered the humanitarian sphere, in particular, support for internally displaced persons, later it was expanded to include infrastructure projects in rural communities, support for farms, technical assistance to government agencies.

Within the framework of the program, 90 projects worth 110 million USD have been invested for over 20 years. In addition, 109 kahrizs have been restored in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic at a cost of 4 million francs.

Recent achievements included the establishment of a private credit bureau to improve access to finance for small businesses in the agricultural sector and a register of movable property.

Besides, assistance provided to improve the government's capacity for macroeconomic forecasting.

Three women's resource centres - Baku, Sabirabad and Gusar - have been established to strengthen women's economic opportunities. In the latter project, 190 women have been able to get jobs or start their own businesses.

In the context of the pandemic, two NGOs were assisted to implement projects in combating domestic violence.

As for the new programme for 2022-2025, it will cover four areas, it will cover four areas, said Alberto Hernandez, Deputy Ambassador and head of the cooperation organisation.

- Civil society activities;

- Strengthening democracy and public institutions

- Improving economic development, and job opening

- Preparing for climate change, and the sustainability of governance.

Note that gender equality and effective governance will be prioritised in all areas.  Besides, Azerbaijan will be supported in the arts through a major regional cultural project.

Thirty projects will be implemented in the three countries of the South Caucasus, of which three will be regional in nature.

Total budget of the programme will be 80 million Swiss francs. 10 million has been allocated for projects in Azerbaijan.

Total volume of regional projects will be 50 million francs, Hernandez said.

Asked about the possible participation of Swiss companies in the restoration of the liberated territories, the Ambassador responded that the business structures themselves decide on the matter.

As for humanitarian aid, the Swiss government has already allocated 1.5 million francs for demining work.  

Also, the Ambassador stressed the continuation of programs in the field of education which enables graduates of Azerbaijani universities to conduct research in Swiss universities.-06D-