Finland Times

 

The draft of an independent review finds that Finnish development cooperation is of a good average standard and produces positive results in developing countries, according to the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

 

An Independent Review of Finnish Aid written by Ritva Reinikka, a Doctor of Economics and a long-time director with the World Bank, examines the effectiveness of development aid and lists ten recommendations for measures that could improve its implementation, said a press release of the ministry issued on June 4.

 

The Ministry for Foreign Affairs commissioned the review last autumn at the request of parliament.

 

“I hope that this review will do its part to help in updating Finnish development cooperation, so it is more effective than before, and helps people recognise those things that Finland and all Finns should be proud of,” Ritva Reinikka commented.

 

The review brings to light both the strengths of Finnish aid and the areas that still require development.

 

It also praises the effectiveness of Finnish development cooperation saying that although the recipient country is always the actor that produces the greatest results, the aid is a definitive factor that accelerates development.

 

Finland’s long-term cooperation countries Namibia and Vietnam, which are now both in the process of giving up development aid, are cited as examples. In Ethiopia, where Finnish aid has brought clean water to three million people, aid has contributed to the faster accomplishment of the Millennium Goals.

 

Finnish development cooperation is internationally at a reasonably high standard and in certain fields even the world’s best, said the release.

 

The review recommends that Finland should focus its activities more clearly on specific strategically chosen sectors and countries.

 

Finland should cut down on bureaucracy and develop measuring the results, so that information can be collected to help with decision making and to guarantee that results do not remain obscure and hidden.

 

“Ms Reinikka’s report is comprehensive and realistic. It will act as an important expert perspective, when we realise the new government's policies," Pekka Puustinen, Director General of the Department for Development Policy stated.

 

The review was discussed among others at an open discussion event for various development policy actors on June 4. The final review will be completed by the end of the month.

 

Finland’s areas of strength include the water management, education and forestry, as well as measures that will improve the status of women and girls.

 

It has also been able to successfully support developing countries’ own institutions, as well as the transparency and development of governance.