US Aid body welcomes Solomons' funding bid

A United States aid organisation says it would welcome an application for funding from Solomon Islands, but will not guarantee its success.

The "Millenium Challenge Corporation" funds development and infrastructure projects in around 40 countries, with the aim of reducing poverty.

The US has allocated around $US4 billion since 2004, including $70 million to Vanuatu.

Last week, Solomon Islands announced it will be applying for funding from the corporation later this year.

Its Managing Director of Development Policy, Sherri Kraham, says while it welcomes an application, it has strict criteria, which may rule Solomon Islands ineligible.

"We may not be the best vehicle for delivering assistance for that country," he said.

"It depends on a lot of factors that may not be most present in a small country like Solomon Islands. So, we're considering it, we haven't ruled anything out, but we certainly are considering it."

Source: Radio Australia