[K Original Tracker] Hong Gi-won "Issue of ODA Budget Sharing" Bang Gi-seon "Will Pursue Integrated Efficiency"

Hong Gi-won, Democratic Party Lawmaker
"Splitting Budgets for Small and Diverse Projects" Criticized
Bang Gi-seon, Director of the National Assembly Inspection Office, "Will Integrate and Streamline"

On the 7th, Hong Gi-won, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, cited data visualization materials from this publication (October 25 report [K Original Tracker]① 36 trillion won spent on ODA, 70,000 projects 'proliferation'... The history of budget splitting) at the Budget and Accounts Special Committee, pointing out, “Looking at the development cooperation budget by ministry, it was analyzed that 44 ministries were splitting and sharing numerous small projects as of last year.”

Rep. Hong criticized, “In recipient countries like Vietnam and the Philippines, the Korea desks say that Korea has too many ministries and agencies to deal with, which is exhausting.” He then asked, “Isn't the Development Cooperation Committee established at the Office for Government Policy Coordination to fix such issues of multiple ministries splitting the ODA budget?”

In response, Bang Ki-seon, head of the Office for Government Policy Coordination, replied, “We are steadily promoting integrated ODA.”

Rep. Hong urged, “On the 17th, the KOICA president said that inefficiencies occurring on the ground due to excessive fragmentation of projects must be resolved. They should carry out their responsibilities with accountability.”

Rep. Hong strongly criticized the large increase in the ODA budget amid a decrease in research and development (R&D) budgets.

On the 7th, Hong Gi-won, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, cited a report by this newspaper (October 25 issue) during the subcommittee review of the National Assembly's Budget and Accounts Special Committee, pointing out the fragmentation issue of the Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget.

He stated, “I understand the necessity of ODA international development cooperation well, and I believe that as our country's national stature grows, related budgets should increase,” but added, “At the end of last year, it was announced that the ODA budget would be increased to more than 6.4 trillion won by 2030, more than double that of 2019, but next year's budget already exceeds 6.5 trillion won. Has the policy changed within a year?” he criticized.

Rep. Hong said, “The national economy continues to be difficult, and under a tight budget, the development cooperation budget has suddenly and unprecedentedly increased to a record high. I am suspicious and worried that this might be just for show or to gain favor during the president’s overseas trips.”

■Infographic Page■

Solar Power and Firewood - Report from Ban Laokon, Vietnam

(story.asiae.co.kr/vietnam)

What problems does budget splitting in aid cause?

(story.asiae.co.kr/ODA)

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.