[K Original Tracker] Budget Committee Criticizes ODA Fragmentation... Korean Prime Minister Says "We Will Proceed Strategically and Integratively"

Jo Jung-hoon, Inter-Ministerial Fragmentation Persists
Hong Ki-won Criticizes Sharp Increase in ODA Budget
Han Duck-soo: "We Will Strategically Adjust the Budget to Support Overseas Expansion"

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo is responding to lawmakers' questions at the full meeting of the Special Committee on Budget and Accounts held at the National Assembly on the 9th. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo reiterated on the 9th at the National Assembly's Special Committee on Budget and Accounts that he intends to "strategically coordinate and promote" Official Development Assistance (ODA).

On this day, Jo Jung-hoon, a member of the Budget and Accounts Committee from the Transition Era party, mentioned the issue of ODA fragmentation (where many ministries carry out various projects on a small scale in a fragmented manner). Jo said, "Next year, the ODA report card (DAC peer review) will be released. It is evaluated quite meticulously, and even in the previous evaluation in 2017, the fragmentation issue was pointed out."

Jo asked the Prime Minister, "Despite the austerity fiscal policy, the ODA budget has exceptionally increased. In 2017, the number of ministries related to ODA had grown to 64, making it complicated, and the DAC evaluation stated that this deviated from Korea's commitments. Wouldn't integration be the right direction?" In response, Prime Minister Han said, "I definitely think a strategic and well-coordinated integrated policy is appropriate."

Hong Ki-won, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, also questioned the validity of the increased ODA budget. Hong pointed out to Prime Minister Han, "At the end of last year, you announced an increase of 6.5 trillion won by 2030, but you will achieve that ahead of schedule next year," adding, "The amount has increased tremendously despite the austerity policy."

He specifically asked, "Isn't it necessary for the recipient countries to discover projects and be prepared to accept the budget for ODA?" Prime Minister Han replied, "ODA is a budget that helps Korean companies and young people expand overseas. It takes time, but we will promote it strategically. I will consult with the relevant ministries."

■Infographic Page■

Solar Power and Firewood - Vietnam Ban Laokon Report

(story.asiae.co.kr/vietnam)

What problems does splitting aid budgets cause?

(story.asiae.co.kr/ODA)