Staff Correspondent

Switzerland on Wednesday lau-nched a cooperation strategic plan in Bangladesh involving Tk 600 cr-ore with focusing on two key areas like income generation and imp-roving local government system.

The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation launched its strategic plan for the period from 2008-2012.

‘The new strategy is a continuation of the SDC involvement in Bangladesh,’ Swiss ambassador Dora Rapold said while launching the plan at a city hotel. ‘The new strategy is aligned with Bangladesh’s poverty reduction strategy plan.’

The cooperation strategy will focus on employment and income generation and local government. The development programmes will be carried out incorporating various government agencies and NGOs.

The annual budget for the programme will range from Tk 90 crore to Tk 120 crore. The additional funds will be provided for relief and rehabilitation programmes during disasters such as cyclones and floods.