To foster efficiency in its foreign aid programs, the Canadian government will focus its assistance on 20 countries, the Canadian International Development Agency said. A report by
quoted International Cooperation Minister Bev Oda as saying, "While continuing to provide assistance to the people in greatest need, focusing our bilateral assistance will make our aid dollars go further and make a greater difference for those we help." Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Colombia, Ethiopia, Ghana, Haiti, Honduras, Indonesia, Mali, Mozambique, Pakistan, Peru, Senegal, Sudan, Tanzania, Ukraine and Vietnam, as well as the Caribbean and the West Bank and Gaza will benefit from the assistance. Canada has earmarked 53 percent of its total aid funding of CAD1.5 billion (USD1.2 billion) to bilateral programs. The remaining sum will go to international organizations and nations coping with urgent crises.
