Colombia faces economic, environmental and social challenges, with persistent inequality, increasing insecurity and governance problems. Addressing deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions and labour productivity is crucial for sustainable growth and rural development. Although Colombia's GDP has shown modest growth, it remains insufficient to raise living standards. C+C III will continue to strengthen competitiveness in selected value chains, consolidate its activities, and emphasise the transfer of know-how, structures and services to partners.

The overall objective of the Program is to promote green and inclusive growth by supporting key reforms related to competitiveness, such as the business environment, competition policy, entrepreneurship, skills development, innovation and the circular economy. It supports sustainable value chains (speciality cocoa, sustainable tourism, natural ingredients, coffee and sustainable construction) and addresses sectoral issues (such as access to finance, climate change or sustainable construction). The Program thus contributes to the creation of jobs and income opportunities through compliance with sustainability standards and by promoting access to international markets. The deployment of Swiss expertise supports the creation of dedicated partnerships between Colombian and Swiss institutions in the considered reform areas. Given its focus on competitiveness and ex-ports/trade, C+C will play an important role in SECO's gradual exit from Colombia.

Outcome 1 (macro level): Public and private actors at national and sub-national levels implement more favourable policies to increase competitiveness and sustainability and improve their cooperation.

Outcome 2 (meso level): Public and private actors at sectoral levels implement more favourable policies, best practices, regulations and standards to increase competitiveness, access to finance and sustainability.

Outcome 3 (micro level): Value chain actors in the selected regions improve their level of internationalisation and sustainable performance.

Outcome 4 (knowledge, sustainability): Public and private actors at national and sub-national levels take ownership of the experience, adapt their policies and become leaders, ensuring the sustainability of the Program.

Erwartete Resultate:  

Outputs in the first component contribute to the design and implementation of public policies, reforms and policy instruments that promote competitiveness, innovation, internationalisation and productive development at national and sub-national levels.

Outputs in the second component focus on addressing bottlenecks to competitiveness in the value chains of speciality coffee and cacao, natural ingredients, tourism and sustainable construction.

Outputs in the third component will promote the development of more sustainable and competitive products and services.

Outputs in the fourth component focus on knowledge management, transfer and appropriation in the view of the closure of the Program and sustainability of the achieved results.

Resultate von früheren Phasen:  

C+C has achieved significant milestones over eight years, supporting key reforms in competitiveness and strengthening sustainable value chains across sectors and regions, with 90 projects facilitating policy dialogue and generating positive impacts nationwide. According to the evaluation of the programme in 2023, C+C has achieved positive results and impacts on economic and social indicators such as exports, sales, job creation and women's participation in leadership positions. For example, it was present in 30 departments of the country and reached 5,572 beneficiaries, 13% of those in vulnerable situations. The project has reduced CO2 emissions by 8,065 tonnes, increased the value of exports generated by value chain projects by 126%, and created and maintained 8,580 jobs, 35% of which are held by women.

Phase 3 01.05.2025 - 31.12.2028   (Active)