Sweden increases international aid

STOCKHOLM, Sweden -- The Swedish government's aid agency increased its annual spending by more than 20 percent last year, according to a government report published on Thursday.

In total $1 billion (10,6 billion kronor) was given in international aid by the Sida agency during 2000.

The three countries that received most of the aid were Tanzania, Mozambique and Honduras, said a Sida spokesman.

Aid to South Africa decreased by more than 10 percent in an attempt by the Swedish government to make the country less aid-dependent.

Other countries that had a decrease in aid included Zimbabwe, Rwanda and Guatemala, the spokesman said.

Aid for infrastructure projects, industries and urban development increased from $100 million (1 billion kronor) to $171 million (1,7 billion kronor) -- 18 percent of the total budget.

Sida

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