CONTRIBUTION from- Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
The Canadian International Development Agency (“CIDA”) is the federal agency of the Canadian Government charged with planning and implementation of most of Canada's development cooperation programs. CIDA supports projects in more than 150 countries, which represent four fifths of the world's population and administers approximately 80% of the aid budget. CIDA works in partnership with developing countries, Canadian organizations, institutions and businesses, as well as international organizations and agencies. The total disbursement by CIDA has been CAD$ 2.2 billion in 2003-2004.
Canada has had a program of development cooperation in Bangladesh since its independence in 1971. Bangladesh is one of Canada’s largest LDC source for import of garments. In Canada's International Policy Statement – A Role of Pride and Influence in the World, announced in April 2005, Bangladesh is cited as one of the 25 development partners in which CIDA will concentrate the bulk of its country-to-country assistance. The Minister for International Cooperation has also considered Bangladesh as one of the nine focus countries known as “countries of focus” consolidating its commitment towards development in Bangladesh.
CIDA contributes to poverty reduction and sustainable development in Bangladesh through the following three priority sectors: social development (health and education), governance and private sector development. At present, CIDA is involved in 28 on-going projects in social development, governance and private sector development in Bangladesh. The Agency has been one of the top donors in Bangladesh and expects to disburse CAN$ 100.0 million in 2005.
In line with the increased interest of Canada in the development efforts of Bangladesh, the Canadian Prime Minister made a commitment in the United Nations for setting up of a Local Enterprise Investment Centre (“LEIC”) to help develop the private sector of Bangladesh. This is a pilot project, the model of which could be replicated in other countries by CIDA in future.
