Governance encompasses the systems, structures and processes that are related to the distribution and management of political, economic, and social resources. Governance has an enormous impact on society as a whole, and the international community has come to understand the significance of good governance for sustainable development. Consequently, aid volume directed to improve governance and promote transparency, responsibility, justice, democracy, and public participation of partner governments is on the rise.

KOICA supports the governance sector of partner countries using Korea's accumulated development experience. Through cooperation projects to improve each government policies, improve public sector management systems, and reform their legal systems, KOICA assisted partner countries' efforts to build the conditions for secure, equitable development. In order to build administrative capacities in partner countries, KOICA funded projects to help them adopt the market economy and implement industrial development policies. For the strengthening of local civil society, KOICA promotes small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as trade and investment. KOICA has also launched various projects that encourage governments to become more transparent and accountable, while reforming their legal systems to support equitable and balanced development.

KOICA delivered 18.8% of its total project budget or USD 50.9 million for cooperation in governance sector. By region, major recipient were the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.

Top 5 partner countries in governance (Unit : US$ in thousands)

Total Asia Latin America Africa Middle East Eastern Europe and the CIS International Organizations Amount 50,863 100 14,086 27.7 6,260 12.3 8,543 16.8 16,069 31.6 1,408 2.8 4,497 8.8

Major Projects in 2006

Construction of an Annex Building for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Sudan (US$ 1.092 million / from 2004 to 2006) Construction of the International Convention Center in Hambantota in Sri Lanka (US$ 6.0 million / from 2006 to 2007) Establishment of the Afghanistan Civil Service Institute (US$ 6.0 million / from 2004 to 2006) Renovation of the Main Office Buildings of the MoPDC in Iraq (US$ 1.0 million / from 2006 to 2007)