First contacts - initial visits by Swiss (1940-1970)
Switzerland becomes a major development partner (1970-90)
Consolidation of inputs (1990-present)
First contacts - initial visits by Swiss (1940-1970)
First personal contacts which formed the basis for the initial interactions and inputs were established. This was followed by inputs from senior professionals that had major impact especially in the fields of geology (Augusto Gansser) and forestry (Fritz Fischer).
1948 Her Majesty the Queen Mother, Ashi Kesang Choden Wangchuck, and Aum Lisina, the daughter of Mr. Fritz Von Schulthess (a Swiss industrialist and trader) attend the same school (House of Citizenship) in London
1949 Her Majesty the Queen Mother, Ashi Kesang Choden Wangchuck, and Aum Lisina, the daughter of Mr. Fritz Von Schulthess (a Swiss industrialist and trader) attend the same school (House of Citizenship) in London
Mr. Von Schulthess visits the family of Her Majesty the Queen Mother, Ashi Kesang Choden Wangchuck, and stays in the Bhutan House in Kalimpong
1950 – 55 The Bhutanese Royal Family repeatedly visits Switzerland for medical reasons and for the delivery of children
1952 – 61 Visits by the Von Schulthess Family to Bhutan (1952, 1955 and 1961)
1963 The first specialist sent to Bhutan through Mr. Von Schulthess was Franz Bruderer, a chimney specialist, who stayed in Bhutan for 3 months
1963 First visit to Bhutan by the Geologist Augusto Gansser. This was followed by 4 additional expeditions
1965 Radio specialist, Mr. Turi Christen, is sent to Bhutan. This input was followed by other long-term inputs: Alex Staub (Radio mechanic, 1966-), Dubach (Cheese maker, 1968), Fritz Maurer (Food technologist, 1969-present), Franz Fueri (Mechanic 1970-74)
1969 First visit of Professor Fisher (Forester)
1969 First forester, Lyonpo Chenkyab Dorji, receives training in Switzerland
1970 Import of the potato variety Desiree (remained the most important potato variety in the country from 1980 to present)
Switzerland becomes a major development partner (1970-90)
During this period, the financial contributions of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) increased, both financially and thematically. SDC support was not only granted to Helvetas but also included co-financing of projects implemented by multilateral agencies like the World Bank and various UN agencies. Up to the end of the 4th plan period (1982), Switzerland was the most important source of bilateral aid beside India. Activities are centred in the NRM sector, health, education and rural infrastructures.
1971 Mr. Von Schulthess sets up the private “Foundation Pro Bhutan” to raise funds for the expanding development activities. New activities in agriculture, livestock, forestry and health starts with major focus on Bumthang
1975 “Foundation Pro Bhutan” hands over activities to Helvetas. All activities in Bhutan are coordinated from Bumthang through Fritz Maurer
1981 Peak of Helvetas activities in Bumthang district with 10 expatriates present (Coordinator 1, Forestry 4, Agriculture 1, Livestock 2, Health 1, Mechanical workshop 1)
1982 Helvetas inputs reach a volume of 2 million Swiss Franc
1983 Helvetas and SDC open a coordination office in Thimphu
1985 The year with the highest ever input of Helvetas funds in Bhutan (over 4 million)
Consolidation of inputs (1990-present)
Move from technical to financial support with project implementation by RGOB or other partners. Fast increase in inputs in the education and rural infrastructure sectors.1993 Peak of long-term expatriate inputs with 22 expatriates
1997 The volume of Helvetas and SDC mandated projects cross the 6 million CHF mark
2003 Peak budget with almost 8 million CHF (Helvetas & SDC)
2008 Lowest level of long-term expatriates with 3 full time persons only