Switzerland helps developing countries to improve infrastructure
Bern, 22.11.2017 - Infrastructure in developing countries in sub-Saharan Africa and in Asia is to be improved with support from Switzerland. On 22 November, the Federal Council approved a contribution of CHF 46.5 million for the period 2017 to 2021.
The contribution will go towards the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG), which is supported by Australia, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland, as well as the World Bank Group. The State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) is a founding member of the PIDG.
Switzerland’s contribution will be used to encourage private investment in infrastructure projects and build up the capacity of governments and private actors to plan and manage infrastructure projects.
Lasting infrastructure is vital in order for a country to be able to develop economically, socially and ecologically. Investment in infrastructure leads both directly and indirectly to job creation; in the latter case, for example, by enabling small and medium sized enterprises to be supplied with energy.
According to World Bank estimates, 1.3 billion people around the world have no access to electricity; 2.8 billion people cook their food using wood or similar fuels – with significant negative health and social consequences. The aim is to close these infrastructure gaps in a sustainable manner. To date the PIDG has helped over 220 million people gain access to new or improved basic infrastructure, and created or safeguarded 270,000 jobs.
The corresponding capital requirement in developing countries cannot be covered by the public sector alone. The role of the PIDG is to mobilise additional capital. For every dollar of public investment, 17 dollars of private capital has been mobilised. In addition, through the PIDG, Switzerland can contribute to fulfilling its international obligations on climate financing.
Address for enquiries
Christoph Liechti, Programme manager
+41 58 465 8341, christoph.liechti@seco.admin.ch
Martin Shenton, Programme manager
+41 58 464 0839, martin.shenton@seco.admin.ch
Publisher
The Federal Council
https://www.admin.ch/gov/en/start.html
Secretariat-General EAER
http://www.wbf.admin.ch
Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research
http://www.wbf.admin.ch
