Official Development Assistance (ODA) Projects of Gyeonggi-do, Korea

Gyeonggi Province internationally promotes the economic growth and industrial development through official development assistance (ODA)

ODA is defined by the OECD’s Development Assistance Committee as a type of government-backed aid for promoting the economies and welfare of developing countries. After the Korean War, Korea was an official development assistance (ODA) receiver for years.

Over the past half a century, South Korea has managed to turn the tide; the country has gone from being poverty-stricken to significantly developed. Acknowledging the effect of the development aid that it used to receive, which through proper planning and hard work by an entire nation lead to miraculous growth, Korea has become a member of theDevelopment Assistance Committee (2010) and is now an official donor country.

In 1969, the Development Assistance Committee adopted ODA as a “gold standard” for foreign aid and ODA continues to be the main route for offering development assistance. South Korea, which is recognized as an exemplary model for development through ODA, acts as a much-needed bridge between donors and recipients. 

Gyeonggi-do Official Development Assistance

Gyeonggi-do builds the international development plans through ODA  

Gyeonggi-do is pursuing plans to improve its international presence through sustainable and innovative contributions to international development plans, specifically through ODA. To this end, the province has created the 2020-2022 Gyeonggi-do International Development Sustainable Basic Plan to help guide its future actions and contributions.

Gyeonggi-do’s ODA Plans

Gyeonggi-do is a province that has undergone rapid development as part of the Korean Capital Region; its contributions to ODA projects is backed by experience and know-how. The province’s future ODA contribution plans include the allocation of KRW 3.0 billion this year, KRW 3.2 billion in 2021, and KRW 3.8 billion in 2022. 

To channel these funds, Gyeonggi-do has created a number of different strategies:

• creation and promotion of international development projects with the help of Gyeonggi’s young residents;
• reinforcement of cooperation networks, domestic and foreign, for the continuous pursuit of and contribution to ODA projects; and
• strengthening of programs and projects through strategies such as continuous evaluations of ongoing projects, public promotions, and so on.

As one of its priorities, Gyeonggi-do will be combating climate change through its development projects. It’s expected that by 2023, the province will have disbursed KRW 750 million for the ongoing Gyeonggi Green Eco Park project and planted 420,000 trees in the Kubuqi Desert.

Other development projects Gyeonggi-do will be carrying out this year include the overseas dispatch of youth volunteer groups as well as the donation of fire vehicles to cities in need of new equipment.

Another of Gyeonggi-do's goals is to contribute to overall ODA program effectiveness by strengthening related global networks and cooperation initiatives. Among the planned measures is the promotion of peace and cooperation between Asia and Eurasia especially exchange and cooperation among countries on the Eurasian railway network.

Gyeonggi ODA Global Center

To manage the numerous ODA projects and plans of the province, Gyeonggi-do is preparing to establish a global center that will serve as an international hub for its 31 cities and counties. This will allow for the sustainable and efficient management of ODA projects. Currently, the feasibility and other aspects of establishing this ODA center are under review.
The province also plans to host an international conference realized through cooperation with the local cities and counties.

Gyeonggi Resident ODA Participation

Gyeonggi ODA project includes the improvement of the educational environment
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International development aid undertaken through ODA is a provincewide effort. This year, Gyeonggi-do will carry forward nine ODA projects that were created in cooperation with residents and the private sector.

These projects are primarily focused on improving educational environments, creating job opportunities, improving disability welfare programs, and reinforcing support for vulnerable groups.

Cambodia

• Establish a baking education center and programs for residents of specific regions
• Establish a library and reading programs in the Kampong Chhnang Province
• Establish support programs for the independence of individuals with disabilities
• Establish a global communications center in the Batheay District to help local talents
• Support literacy in specific regions and among impoverished children

Vietnam

• Support safe educational spaces in Hanoi
• Support victims of defoliation chemicals

Mongolia

• Establish a vocational center to help impoverished residents secure job opportunities

Kenya

• Support Elerai Technical College in training program improvement and job network creation.

Kyrgyzstan

• Establish a center and system for lifelong learning

To create room for fresh and innovative ideas from the private sector, the provincial government has invited proposals for international development projects. The province received 24 such proposals from the private sector and, after careful examination, the nine projects mentioned above were selected. The nine organizations whose projects were accepted will each receive KRW 100 million in support.

The Vietnam defoliant victim support center maintenance project, which will cost a total of KRW 200 million, will renovate and improve the capacity of an existing center. The program also aims to upgrade the capabilities of the medical personnel at the center. It is hoped that this can help victims lead better lives, and marks the first time that a South Korean local government has offered aid to the victims of defoliant chemicals in Vietnam. As a result, Gyeonggi-do hopes to lead the way in ODA activities undertaken by provincial governments.

Gyeonggi ODA Alliance

The Gyeonggi ODA Alliance provides valuable assistance during the project

The contribution of the private sector to ODA projects is invaluable. With fresh and innovative ideas, the private sector can help the public sector and, by working together, more efficient and better results can be achieved.

The Gyeonggi ODA Alliance is a public-private partnership created to jointly carry out ODA projects propelled by the Gyeonggi Provincial Government. The alliance was officially formed in 2015.

The Alliance consists of representatives of NGOs, companies, universities, research institutes, and public institutions in Gyeonggi Province. These parties each have their specific expertise and experiences in international development projects; this enables them to offer valuable assistance during the entire process of implementing ODA projects pursued by Gyeonggi-do, including proposals, planning, evaluation, promotion, and more.

Gyeonggi Urban Innovation Corporation & Overseas Urban Development

The Gyeonggi Urban Innovation Corporation(GICO) has signed an agreement with the Korea Overseas Infrastructure& Urban Development Corporation (KIND) through which the two organizations will cooperate in overseas urban development and smart city projects.

Cooperation will be carried out in various projects and includes the exchange of knowledge, human resources, networks, and more as necessary for the success of overseas development projects.

KIND will support commercialization and financing for potential joint projects while GICO will take on roles such as researching the feasibility of new projects (utilizing urban development know-how accumulated during the urbanization of the Korean Capital Region).

Together, KIND and GICO will be able to pursue international development projects more effectively and make greater contributions to urban development overseas.

With the new role that South Korea is assuming on an international level, Gyeonggi-do is seizing the opportunity to contribute to various ODA projects. For the future and welfare of humanity, we cooperate and aid our fellow humans. Gyeonggi-do’s local government, together with the local residents, are dedicated to helping growth and development all around the world.