The agency said the list also includes seven African countries (Chad, Mozambique, Benin, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger), four countries in the Mekong-sub region (Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar), Bangladesh, Nepal, Bolivia and the Central America region. However, five countries have been removed from the list including Ecuador, Peru, Bhutan, Pakistan and India.

The Swiss Government has submitted a development aid strategy of 4.5 billion francs to the Swiss Parliament for approval. The aim of the strategy is to reduce poverty, increase security and promote development.

The SDC stated that Switzerland has shortened the list of countries receiving its aid to make Swiss strategies in developing countries become more effective.