Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt

The initiative to implement a concrete project must be taken by the applying country. Via the ministry in charge the applicant forwards proposals to the German Embassy. Then negotiations are held at an intergovernmental level to discuss the project proposals and to define the areas to be supported.

If a project idea is in accord with the guidelines of the Federal Government for development policy, the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) places an order for project assessment. This assessment relates to technical aspects but also to the economic environment. When the assessment report is completed, the BMZ decides whether the project is worth supporting. At the end – and also at the start of concrete development cooperation – an agreement under international law is concluded between the BMZ and the Government of the partner country. Then the PTB (or another institution) can be entrusted with providing the German contribution to the project.