As the decolonisation process began after World War II, new ties developed between independent countries, international organisations and donors of development aid. While the former colonial powers were prominent providers of aid to their former colonies, Sweden and Norway took pride in their lack of a colonial past, and considered themselves to be particularly suitable aid donors for this very reason. Norway established its first aid project in 1952; but despite this relatively early beginning, aid transfers remained low through the 1960s. Since the 1970s, however, both Sweden and Norway have been among the most generous aid donors. The countries have been comparatively active in the development policy area, both bilaterally and on an international level, encouraging international co-operation and co-ordination.