A Study on South Korea���s Aid Policy towards Myanmar

This research explores the determining factors of South Korea’s aid to Myanmar and its application. South Korea has a unique experience of a rapid rise from an aid recipient to a new emerging donor. Since after becoming a donor it has been sharing its experiences and lessons for the sustainable development of other countries. South Korea has been one of the important donors of Myanmar since the 1990s providing grants and loans. This research argues that South Korean aid policy is fundamentally characterized by the same major determinants of foreign aid like other traditional donors such as geographical proximity cultural familiarity political and diplomatic relations and commercial interests. While it has strong economic interests in Myanmar it takes into account Myanmar’s development needs within the context of Country Partnership Strategy. It is suggested that it should provide more grants for a limited time to reach its win-win strategic aid goal and to promote its international image.