Local resources for sustainable developmentSECO supports its partner countries in creating efficient tax systems. This enables them to increase their state revenues and invest in their social and economic development.
In Switzerland, we pay taxes so that our country can invest in education, health, security and infrastructure and provide high-quality public goods and services.
However, tax revenues in developing countries are usually very low. That is why SECO supports its partner countries in generating sufficient tax revenues and using them responsibly and transparently.
Low tax revenues are a major problem. They prevent countries from investing in their own development. With more tax revenue, developing countries could promote their social and economic development, provide important public services and better meet the basic needs of their populations.
Moreover, it has been shown that citizens are more involved in public affairs when they pay taxes. This participation increases the pressure to fight corruption and the embezzlement of public funds.
SECO is providing almost CHF 30 million in support of partner countries to create their own fair and efficient tax systems by 2028. It is working with various organisations to ensure that they take a coordinated approach and thus support developing countries efficiently and effectively.
SECO works with the State Secretariat for International Finance and the OECD, for example, to ensure that multinational companies operating in developing countries pay fair tax contributions.
SECO also works with the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and regional organisations. The aim is always the same: higher tax revenues should help countries to develop and become independent of development aid in the medium to long term.
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Local resources for sustainable development
