The overall objective of the development cooperation is to alleviate poverty by helping people in partner countries help themselves. The programmes implemented in the context of the Mekong Region Programme aim at contributing to the development of an equitable and participatory society, an open and market-oriented economy, and sound natural resource management.

Governance

Governance is the exercise of economic, political and administrative authority to manage a country's affairs at all levels. Governance should involve three key stakeholders – the state, the civil society and the private sector – as equally represented and valued partners in governing the affairs of a country. World-wide development experiences have shown that governance is a cornerstone for sustainable development and poverty reduction. Read more...

Rural Livelihood and Natural Resource Management

Rural development and agriculture is pivotal for the development of many developing countries including Vietnam and Lao PDR. As the majority of the poor depends on agriculture and natural resources for their living, acceleration of environmentally sustainable natural resource-based development is therefore critical. Read more...

Economic Development with special focus on Private Sector Development

The Swiss Cooperation Strategy in the Mekong region is covering Vietnam, Lao PDR, Cambodia and Myanmar. Switzerland, through SECO, has supported the sustainable economic growth of these countries by promoting the private sector, contributing to the establishment of a conducive economic framework and the integration into the world economy. Through its programmes, Switzerland is contributing to generating income and thus to have a positive impact on poverty reduction. Read more...