Swiss Import Promotion Programme

The project

The Swiss Import Promotion Programme SIPPO works with a systemic approach. Instead of focusing on individual companies, it puts BSOs in the centre of the programme. These BSOs provide professional ‘last mile services’ to companies  intending to export.

SIPPO enhances the performance of the selected BSOs. They promote local export-ready companies with a qualitative set of services. With this, BSOs can specifically improve export promotion services in specific economic sectors and boost the export performance of export-ready companies in their countries by providing them with high-quality market information, B2B matchmaking services and enhanced networking opportunities. With SIPPO's support, BSOs ultimately contribute to increased income and more and better jobs.

This BSO-focused approach of SIPPO is decentralised, utilizing local know-how and developing a high commitment of local actors. The approach has proven successful in Phase 1 and will be further expanded in Phase 2. New focus areas are digitalisation and sustainability, organisational development at the BSOs and the strengthening of export promotion systems in the partner countries.

In addition, SIPPO creates synergies by working locally with other Swiss development cooperation programmes.

Activities in 6 sectors

SIPPO is active in six sectors:

• Fish & Seafood
• Processed food
• Natural ingredients
• Technical wood
• High quality textiles
• Sustainable tourism

Expected results/outcomes

• Export-ready companies in the target countries access export promotion  services of BSOs.
• Export-ready companies sign new export contracts .
• Increase in the number of jobs in sectors supported by SIPPO.
• BSOs professionalise their export promotion services, develop their organisational management, and improve their performance measurement.

Project Partners

·     BHP Brugger & Partner

·     HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation

Collaboration with BSOs

SIPPO supports the BSOs through tailor-made capacity development in two areas:

1. Improving BSO activities for entering new markets, through capacity  development in market research, trade fair participation, selling missions, buyer missions and study tours.
2. Supporting BSOs in organisational development, strategic planning and positioning, project cycle management, knowledge sharing and continuous learning.

The BSOs decide to what extent they use SIPPO services. This is entirely their responsibility. BSOs that want to explore new potential opportunities for their export-ready companies and improve access to new markets can use these "last mile services" according to their needs.