Part III
Effectiveness of Australia's assistance to the region
Despite the large amount of development assistance flowing
into the region, Pacific island countries remain economically underdeveloped
with many of their people in poverty. Indeed, a number of reviews, studies and
conferences have contrasted the amount of assistance that Pacific island
countries receive with their lack of progress in lifting economic performance
and improving overall living standards.[65] For example, the United Nations Development Assistance Framework for the
Pacific Subregion stated that although aid per capita exceeds that of any other
region, it has 'not translated into uniform human development gains'.[66] Indeed, Forum Leaders at their August 2009 meeting stated clearly their 'deep
concern that despite continued high levels of development assistance over many
years, the Pacific region remains off track to achieve the Millennium Development
Goals'.[67] Such observations raise questions about the effectiveness of aid to the region.
In this context, the committee considers how well Australia's engagement in the
region assists Pacific island countries to meet their economic challenges.
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