Last June, LTS announced that it had been appointed to assess bids for the Scottish Government’s South Asia Development Programme. A year on, LTS is pleased that more than double the number of applications initially expected have been processed by the LTS team. It has been pleasing to see such a strong response with a great diversity among the applications that are all dedicated to supporting sustainable economic development in the South Asian countries of Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. There are strong ties between Scotland and South Asia and the nature of these have been highlighted throughout the applications.

LTS’ remit has been to manage the applications process, including the assessment of all applications to the Fund. LTS has a team of qualified development professionals from a diverse background. Our advice as to which applications show merit will support the Scottish Government and its Minister for Culture and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop, with the final funding decisions. LTS’ experience with the South Asia Development Programme has undoubtedly been a positive one and LTS looks forward to continued successful collaboration with the Scottish Government in the field of international development.