The fact that the cooperation now is focusing on these three sectors means that we are phasing out our work from the social sector. The Swedish strategy is focused on supporting players within the Belarusan society that are inclined to changes. The absence of a clear democratization process is making the co-operation particularly challenging. Specific requirements are that the support should be clearly linked to the reform readiness of the Belarusian actors. It is also required that cooperation with authorities preferably should be done at local and regional level in order to improve the conditions for continued reform in the whole society.
The cooperation includes non-governmental organizations, democratically-minded political organizations and journalists. Representatives of private trade and industry form one important target group.
Journalists trained in Kalmar
Even though there is limited scope for free media, we are contributing towards improving journalist training at the Belarus state university. The project also aims to improve the organization of independent journalists because the Belarusian independent journalist association is a co-operative partner in this project. The Swedish partner is the Institute for Further Education of Journalists (Fojo), in Kalmar.
Reducing bureaucracy in local politics
The Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions, SKL International, which is the development assistance body for Swedish municipalities and county councils, has contributed efforts to increase Belarusian citizens’ participation in municipal politics and issues. One of the targets of the project has been to reduce bureaucracy.
Better service - especially for small businesses
The regional Minsk-based office of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) receives support from Sida. One aim of the project is to strengthen private trade and industry in its dialogue with the government about economic reforms. Another is to improve the service that the seven private industry organizations offer their members, particularly to smaller companies. Initially, The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Southern Sweden, based in Malmo, also participated in the project, though this part has now come to an end.
Employment agencies provide experience
The Swedish Public Employment Service is sharing their vast experience of how the labour market functions with their Belarusian equivalent and the ministry of labour. This includes methods for predicting the demand for labour and measures to cope with such a demand, as well as new ways to inform job seekers. These are central issues for a country’s employment, which in turn are decisive to the economy and welfare.
Collaboration with EU and UN
Sweden is a relatively large donor and sets aside SEK 120 million per year to Belarus. However, we realize that it is hard for a country acting alone to bring about change. It is therefore important to co-ordinate our development assistance with other donors.
