The Foreign Ministry unveiled Tuesday a 15-point reform plan on official development assistance that will boost third-party inspections of aid projects and strengthen cooperation with nongovernmental organizations.
The measures, adopted in response to recommendations by an expert panel on ODA reform, aim to secure transparency and increase efficiency of ODA projects amid public criticism over the nation's huge aid spending.
Under the plan, auditing without prior notice by outside bodies will be carried out on each aid project, including yen loans, grants and technical assistance. Submission of the balance sheet on each yen-loan project will also be required.