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Development in Nepal: Switzerland in Nepal
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Nepal Development
SDC 50 years of development cooperation
Opening of an Embassy in Kathmandu
SDC Taking stock 50 years of cooperation
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Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)
Opening of an Embassy in Nepal: under the Banner of 50 Years of Cooperation
On 17 August 2009, Switzerland will celebrate 50 years of development cooperation with Nepal. The occasion will also be marked by the opening of a new Swiss Embassy in Kathmandu. Today, the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs presented the highlights of its activities in Nepal.

Switzerland was, in the early 1950s, one of the first countries to become active in Nepal. Over the years, it has earned the reputation of being a reliable partner which can pride itself on the realization of numerous useful and sustainable projects.

Above and beyond its activities in the production of cheese and in the management of forests, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) has consecrated enormous efforts to the construction and renovation of more than 3000 bridges, indispensable elements of the transportation network in this mountainous region. The activities of the SDC are primarily focused on professional training, the improvement of infrastructure in rural areas, and the sustainable use of natural resources. Swiss cooperation in Nepal is also concentrated on enhancing the access of the most disadvantaged population groups to public services. And, in cooperation with the FDFA's Political Affairs Division IV (Human security), it continues to support the process of democracy-building and pacification in the country.

Within the reallocation of the FDFA's resources abroad, the Swiss Government has recently decided to elevate the rank of its representation in Kathmandu from consulate-general to embassy. The Embassy's official inauguration scheduled for 17 August, in the presence of a Swiss delegation led by SDC Director-General, Ambassador Martin Dahinden, will thus represent another milestone in the unfolding relations between Switzerland and Nepal, and the occasion to celebrate in a most dignified manner the results of 50 years of cooperation with the country.

Source: Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs August 2009

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50 Years of Development Cooperation in Nepal - Opening of an Embassy in Kathmandu

On 17 August 2009, the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Swiss development cooperation with Nepal took place in Kathmandu. The event coincided with the festive opening of a Swiss Embassy in the presence of the Nepal's Premier Minister Mr. Madhav Kumar Nepal and Foreign Minister Ms. Sujata Koirola.

The Swiss delegation was headed by Martin Dahinden, Director-General of the SDC, who seized the occasion to point out the excellent relations between the two countries and to reaffirm continuation of the Swiss programme to promote peace and foster arms reduction. In addition, bilateral talks were conducted with the President of Nepal, Ram Baran Yadav, the Premier Minister, the Foreign Minister, the Finance Minister, and the Peace and Reconstruction Minister.

The Nepali government thanked Switzerland for its support and for the upgrading of bilateral relations through the opening of an Embassy. The themes touched upon included the still fragile peace process, the various paths available to speed up reconciliation, the human rights situation, the integration of the former rebels into the regular army, and the consolidation of on-going development projects. These issues were also discussed at the meetings held with the leaders of the major political parties - among them, those of the Maoist opposition - as well as representatives of Nepali civil society.

The Swiss delegation, whose members also included Ms. Helene Budliger, Head of the FDFA Directorate of Corporate Management, and Ambassador Thomas Greminger, Head of Political Affairs Division IV (Human Security), travelled to the Ramechap District for an on-site verification of the Swiss development programme. They saw for themselves how the assistance provided by Switzerland goes directly to the benefit of the poor and disadvantaged populations in rural areas.For Switzerland, Nepal continues to be vested with the status of priority country for bilateral cooperation. In 2008, Nepal received support amounting to CHF 25 million; this year, an amount of CHF 21.5 million has been earmarked, ranking Switzerland as one of Nepal's principal development partners.

Not least, Switzerland's good reputation traces back to the support provided by the Swiss Agency for Development and cooperation (SDC) for the construction and maintenance of over 3000 pedestrian suspension bridges and several hundred kilometres of roads that provide the means to dis-enclave peripheral mountain regions. Furthermore, Switzerland supports the peace process and, on an informal level, acts as mediator to foster progress in this arduous process. Switzerland advocated for the opening of an office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in Nepal (2005), and continues to make three unarmed officers available as military observers within the scope of the UN Mission in Nepal (UNMIN).

The newly opened Embassy will be headed by Ambassador Thomas Gass.

Source: Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs August 2009

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Taking stock of 50 years of Swiss-Nepalese development cooperation

Switzerland has been a committed partner in Nepal for over half a century, particularly in the area of vocational education and training. The publication "Cheese, Industrial Dreams and Labour Market Realities" provides a qualified glimpse of Swiss-Nepalese cooperation and shows what targets were pursued and how sustainable the aid is.

"Cheese, Industrial Dreams and Labour Market Realities" is an attempt to learn lessons from over fifty years of development cooperation with Nepal, particularly in the area of vocational education and training.

The book is intended to help document Switzerland's commitment to developing countries. It was written not only for experts but for the general public as well.

Amply illustrated, this 100-page book contains essays and articles written by journalists from both Switzerland and Nepal. It was produced by KEK-CDC Consultants on behalf of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). Helvetas also provided funding for the publication.

"Cheese, Industrial Dreams and Labour Market Realities" was presented to the public at the Eidgenössischen Hochschulinstitut für Berufsbildung (EHB) in Zollikofen on 28 November 2007.

Source: Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) November 2007

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Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation SDC
Embassy of Switzerland, Ekantakuna, Jawalakhel, Lalitpur, Kathmandu
PO Box: 113
Phone: +9771 421 70 08
Email: kathmandu@eda.admin.ch
Maps of Nepal Development in Nepal

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