The Mekong Region Programme was implemented from 2002 to 2006, with a main focus in Vietnam. In 2007 Switzerland has decided to consolidate its programme in Vietnam, to increase its engagement in Lao PDR, and to strengthen the regional dimension of its programme under the motto “act locally and link regionally”.

Accordingly, the Swiss assistance to the Mekong Region 2007 – 2011 aims at facilitating global and regional socio-economic integration, improving human security and safeguarding natural resources in the region by supporting countries in implementing their national development strategies for sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction and by fostering related regional initiatives. Within the strategy, several strategic principles have been identified which guide the cooperation work in each area of cooperation. Governance and gender are treated as transversal themes.

The Swiss assistance, provided through the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the State Secretariat of Economic Affairs (SECO), to the region comprises of four major areas of cooperation defined by strategic objectives that set the framework for country-specific programmes.

The four thematic areas are the result of Swiss Cooperation’s past field presence and discussions with governments and other donors. Swiss Cooperation is active in the same thematic areas in Vietnam and in Lao PDR, which enhances synergies and enables capitalisation of experiences.

• Governance
• Rural Livelihood and Natural Resource Management
• Economic development with specific focus on Private Sector Development
• Disaster preparedness and response

Regional projects which are implemented by SDC as of 2008 include:

• Small-scale Agro-enterprise Development in the Uplands of Lao PDR and Vietnam (SADU).
• Mekong Market Development Portfolio.
• Information and Communication Technology for Development.

Regional projects which are implemented by SECO as of 2008 include:

• SEAF – Blue Waters Growth Fund, Equity Investment including TA Facility.
• MEF – Mekong Enterprise Fund I & II.
• MPDF – Mekong Project Development Facility.
• Support for Trade Promotion and Export Development in Lao PDR.
• Promotion of Cleaner Production in Cambodia and Lao PDR.
• Promotion of Sustainable Forest Managements and related Timber Trade Vietnam and Lao PDR.