Switzerland
SIPPO Colombia: Concluding with Impact, Continuing Through Legacy
As SIPPO Colombia concludes its activities at the end of 2025, it leaves behind a solid foundation for sustainable export growth. Through strengthened institutional capacities, enhanced market access, and close collaboration with Colombian partners, the program has laid the groundwork for continued impact beyond its completion.
SIPPO Colombia’s Success Is Built on Three Strategic Pillars: Strengthening Institutions, Connecting to International Markets, and Integrating sustainability
Since 2017, SIPPO Colombia has been playing a big role in strengthening Colombia’s export promotion system. Implemented by Swisscontact and funded by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), the program was carried out in two strategic phases: The first from 2017 to 2021, and the second and final phase from 2021 to 2025.
In the past eight years, SIPPO has contributed to strengthening Colombia’s national export promotion system through three core pillars:
1. Institutional Strengthening of BSOs:
More than 122 tailored interventions have enhanced the technical and strategic capabilities of key Business Support Organizations (BSOs) such as PROCOLOMBIA, Bogotá Chamber of Commerce, ACOTUR, FEDECACAO and Red Cacaotera. These institutions are now better equipped to offer high-quality export promotion services that are systemic, impactful, and aligned with international best practices.
2. Market Access and International Positioning:
SIPPO Colombia has facilitated over USD 600 million in export deals for 1,183 companies by supporting Business Support Organizations (BSOs) in developing market studies and by capacitating BSOs to provide trade fair participation, study tours, and business mission services. Through this support, priority sectors—including fine and aromatic cocoa, specialty coffee, natural ingredients, exotic fruits, and sustainable tourism—have gained increased visibility and competitiveness in European and Swiss markets.
3. Integration of Sustainability and Digitalization:
SIPPO guided Business Support Organizations (BSOs) through global compliance challenges, supporting them in promoting consulting export-ready SMEs in adopting environmental and social standards such as EUDR and CS3D. Simultaneously, SIPPO introduced digital tools—like CRM systems, AI applications, virtual matchmaking platforms, marketplaces, and e-commerce solutions—to BSOs, enabling them to modernize export services and build future-ready capabilities.
SIPPO Colombia promoted sustainability by strengthening BSOs to deliver export services aligned with international standards and long-term impact. Thus capacitating BSOs, to support exporters in meeting environmental and social requirements of European and Swiss markets, integrating sustainable practices into Colombia’s export promotion system. Key initiatives such as the Trade Promotion Academy, Partnerships with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, and Guiding Principles for Sustainable Trade, among others, have created lasting platforms for knowledge exchange and capacity building. These innovative projects demonstrate, how strategic collaboration drives scalable and inclusive trade development.
Beyond the Programme: SIPPO Colombia’s Enduring Legacy
SIPPO’s success lies not only in short-term results, but in its ability to embed long-term transformation. The legacy of SIPPO Colombia is rooted in five strategic areas that ensure continuity and scalability:
- Knowledge Management: SIPPO’s tools, training programs, and methodologies will remain accessible through BSO platforms such as PROCOLOMBIA’s Academy, CCB’s virtual platform, and the digital spaces of ACOTUR and Red Cacaotera. The SIPPO Legacy Book and its digital library ensure that public goods generated during the program remain available and relevant beyond 2025.
- Networks and Alliances: SIPPO strengthened ties among Colombian BSOs and international partners, including the 12 SIPPO countries, Swiss sustainability platforms like SWISSCO, and global networks such as TRIC. These linkages will continue to facilitate peer learning, cooperation, and cross-border market access activities.
- Legacy Visibility and Communication : A national campaign—52 Weeks of Export Culture—will showcase SIPPO’s tools and lessons through collectible content pieces, stories, and events. BSO-specific success stories and active participation in national trade events will ensure that SIPPO’s achievements are owned, celebrated, and scaled : LINK to SIPPO LEGACY BOOK
Swiss Cooperation: A Trusted Partner for Colombia’s Growth
SIPPO Colombia has focused on strengthening BSOs by developing export promotion service delivery capacities, reinforcing institutional strength, and building networking and cooperation among local export promotion actors to enable them to better support Colombian exporters in accessing international markets, rather than providing direct assistance to exporters.
The long-term commitment of Swiss cooperation has strengthened Switzerland’s role as a trusted partner in Colombia’s economic integration and development. Through the methodical exit strategy and ongoing partnerships, the collaboration between Switzerland and Colombia will continue to nurture sustainable, inclusive trade, driving economic opportunities for years to come.
