Ukraine
SIPPO Country Coordination Committees – fostering dialogue and cooperation
SIPPO is a global programme with one central objective: To enable sustainable, inclusive economic growth through exports. In its current Phase 2, SIPPO is active in 12 countries on 4 continents. In order to implement the programme, it is crucial to find the right balance between central guidance from SIPPO headquarters in Berne and the use of the expertise and knowledge of local contexts of the local SIPPO country teams. To support this, SIPPO operates at two levels of programme governance: the central level with SIPPO Headquarters in close dialogue with our donor SECO in Berne, and the country level with 12 SIPPO country chapters in equally close dialogue with the local SECO offices. A key element of governance at country level is the annual Country Coordination Committee (CCC).
The approach is straightforward: bring together committed individuals within a framework provided by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and SIPPO, facilitate the exchange of their objectives, challenges and solutions, and allow the collaborative process to produce results. Participants in the CCCs include SIPPO country teams, local SECO representatives, SIPPO's partner Business Support Organisations (BSOs), other Swiss Cooperation Projects (SCPs) and representatives of TRIC (Trade related instruments connected), a network that coordinates the activities of all major European import promotion projects.
As the scope of participants goes far beyond a classical project planning meeting, the CCC is the annual meeting of the most important local export promotion actors. This provides a unique institutionalised platform for exchange and for building and developing trust between participants. Mutual trust and common goals are the basis for effective cooperation between export promotion actors.
When the real magic happens...
The CCCs follow a strict protocol. There is the reporting of achievements and the presentation of the work plans of the various BSOs to be approved by SECO. But the real magic happens under the inconspicuous agenda item "Questions & Discussion".
Looking back, sharing information on achievements and lessons learned, as well as outlining plans for future achievements, sets the stage for questions and open dialogue. It creates an understanding of common challenges and goals. Collaboration leads to better use of scarce resources and shared knowledge leads to better results.
In my role as Head of Programme, I have the privilege of participating in CCCs on a regular basis, most of the time online, and sometimes, when warranted, in person. The level of interest and openness to listen and learn what others are planning, and the drive to coordinate and collaborate to achieve identified common goals is impressive. CCCs are more than just another project meeting. They play a vital role in strengthening local export promotion systems through dialogue and cooperation.
