Swisscontact supports economic, social and ecological development of South Asia by implementing projects which enable people to improve their living conditions on their own initiatives. Swisscontact has been engaged in international development cooperation in the region since 1962, when it started working in Chandigarh, India and established the Indo-Swiss Training Centre. Gradually, Swisscontact expanded operations across Bangladesh in 1979, Pakistan and Sri Lanka in 1980 and Nepal in 1990. At present, Swisscontact South Asia has the largest portfolio of development projects in Bangladesh and the office located in Dhaka functions as the South Asia Regional Office (SARO). Swisscontact also maintains a country office in Kathmandu, Nepal. Swisscontact aims to further strengthening its presence in South Asia whilst building and maintaining strong networks with private businesses; public agencies; micro, small and medium enterprises; non-governmental organisations and civil society; bi- and multi-lateral donor agencies and host governments.