The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is drafting an international cooperation and development act to systematize the nation’s foreign aid projects, Weber Shih (施文斌), director-general of the ministry’s Department of Economic and Trade Affairs, said yesterday.
Speaking at the ministry’s weekly briefing, Shih said the act was inspired by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development’s (OECD) Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness.
The passage of the bill will give MOFA the mandate to be the main body overseeing all foreign aid, he said.
The ministry will also be authorized to coordinate with other government agencies and commission private organizations such as non-profit organizations or professionals to participate in various projects.
Shih, however, did not say when the draft would be ready for review by the Executive Yuan. The draft will also have to undergo legislative review when the legislature returns from its recess next month.
Taiwan has been criticized in the past for engaging in “dollar diplomacy” to woo political support from developing nations. Major countries such as Australia have been vocal in their opposition to the practice, especially in the Pacific region.
President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) has promised to reform Taiwan’s image by promoting transparency in all of Taipei’s financial and humanitarian dealings with other countries.
He ordered the foreign ministry and the International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF), Taiwan’s version of the Peace Corps, to conduct all projects in a professional, transparent and efficient manner to maximize their effectiveness.
Shih said the act was part of a global trend to better plan, monitor and access all foreign aid projects.
The ministry will also set up an information database on the government’s foreign aid policy and projects, he said.
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