The Swiss Cooperation Programme on Inclusive and sustainable economic development (ISED) fosters economic recovery (from COVID-19), resilience, and reform, whilst stimulating the creation of sound macroeconomic conditions; a conducive business environment;  improved access to less risky, more affordable, value-adding finance and markets; strengthened value chains; and a skilled workforce. The programme will also assist MSMEs and employers to create employment, enabling MSMEs to further grow and enhance their business. To help this continuous development, the programme will work with the financial sector to become more responsible, inclusive and transparent. Switzerland continues assisting state institutions in delivering business- and trade-relate services in an efficient, transparent and accountable way. Finally, Switzerland continues supporting the development of market relevant skills tailored to the needs of selected sectors. Its support also focuses on improving access to decent jobs, including for vulnerable groups such as women and youth.

Switzerland's engagement

Private sector development

To help achieve the continuous development of a conducive business environment that fosters innovation, the Swiss Cooperation Programme works with the financial sector to become more responsible, inclusive and transparent. Switzerland assists state institutions in delivering business- and trade-related services in  an efficient, transparent and accountable way. It supports a more widespread, affordable and useful access to productive credit, savings and payments for individuals and MSMEs, provided by formal institutions.  This, in turn, will lead to economic growth and jobs creation. Moreover, Switzerland continues to assist the development of market-relevant skills tailored to the needs of selected sectors and its support focuses also on improving access to decent jobs, including for vulnerable groups such as women and youth.

Vocational education and training

Switzerland's goal is to contribute to more gainful employment of VET graduates through improved access to the labour market. Thus, VET students and graduates in Uzbekistan profit from a functional labour market-oriented education and training system allowing them to find and retain an attractive and decent job in sectors with growth potential. Therefore, the Swiss government follows a systemic approach supporting capacity development and better coordination among key government institutions and VET providers, by contributing to the development of better quality inputs (curricula, learning materials, and profiles), teacher training and very importantly by facilitating stronger participation of economic actors in the VET system.

Migration and development

Switzerland will support a better management of labour migration, fostering fair and ethical recruitment, skills matching and recognition between countries of origin and destination, as well as decent working conditions on the Central Asian – Russian Federation corridor. 

Swiss achievements in economic development

Despite the modest size of the Swiss portfolio, it registered some noteworthy achievements, including the development of an efficient and sustainable system for credit reporting and secure transactions, the strengthening of financial institutions' capacity, and improvements in the legal framework of the financial sector. These improvements resulted in better management and governance. Switzerland has supported vocational education and training (VET) since 2001, contributing to a stronger synergy between educatoin and labor market demand.

Digital Empowerment of Girls Activity (PDF, 2 Pages, 761.1 kB, English)

Empowering the Youth to embrace Digital Economy (PDF, 2 Pages, 627.6 kB, English)

Financial Inclusion for Growth (PDF, 2 Pages, 1.0 MB, English)

Support to VET Reforms in Uzbekistan (PDF, 2 Pages, 678.5 kB, English)

The Global Trade Facilitation Programme (PDF, 2 Pages, 681.5 kB, English)

Trade Promotion East Program (PDF, 2 Pages, 491.2 kB, English)

Bilateral Assistance and Capacity Building for Central Banks (PDF, 2 Pages, 1.6 MB, English)