State Secretariat for Economic Affairs of Switzerland

SECO is the federal government`s centre of excellence for all core issues relating to economic and labour market policy.

Overview

The State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (often termed as SECO) is Switzerland's governmental center of expertise for economic policy, which includes economic development cooperation.

Together with the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the Peace and Human Rights Division (PHRD) of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, it is in charge of implementing Switzerland's international cooperation.

Two smiling men pick small, ripe, red berries from a tree. The man in the foreground cups a handful of ripe berries in his hand.

Kigezi, Uganda — GHC is involved across the entire coffee value chain. They offer training on coffee quality control, distribute seedlings for sale, purchase coffee berries (both wet and dry) from farmers and cooperatives, and handle processing, including sorting, grading, packaging, and roasting, for both local and export niche markets.

Photo by ITC

Two sitting women make a heart shape by conjoining their arms. Behind their heart, three packets of coffee beans stand on a table.

Kisoro, Uganda – GHC operates a café in Kisoro town serving farm-to-cup specialty coffee with local food cuisine – a draw for both Ugandans and tourists visiting the region.

CEO of Fairtrade International stands between two coffee entrepreneurs from Ethiopia

April 2025, Houston, United States – The new CEO of Fairtrade International with Ethiopian coffee producers at the Specialty Coffee Association Expo.

Photo by ITC

Overhead shot of the convention centre filled with stands showcasing specialty coffees

April 2025, Houston, United States – At the April 2025 Specialty Coffee Association Expo, ITC championed circular economy innovations and elevated Ethiopian coffee producers on the world stage.

Photo by ITC