At a time when there is a sudden rush for foreign aid, it will be useful to see the history of aid. According to World Bank figures, China has been the biggest recipient of foreign aid which includes development assistance. Between 1990 and 1994, aid to China grew by 55 per cent to over $3.2 billion. Egypt was next with $2.6 billion, but this was after a fall of 50 per cent in the aid it received over the same four year period.

India was third with a figure of $2.3 billion which represented a rise of 65 per cent over 1990.

The country which saw a the highest rise in foreign aid was Yugoslavia. From just $47 million to $1.7 billion, which amounted to a rise of 3,555 per cent. Indonesia and Bangladesh were two countries which saw a fall in the foreign aid received over the same period.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.