That's a very interesting point. In your clothing example, charity was a crutch that hampered the progression of local businesses.

I could see many other forms of aid having the same effect. Creating a reliance that's completely out of the control of the region. If it evaporates at any point they're stuck in a much worse situation.

I think we could go about this a little more intelligently though. Outside funds could be used to train and evolve local business, giving them the tools required to succeed on their own once the aid disappears. If we went into the situation thinking; We only have X dollars, not a constant stream, so how can we use this money in a way to produce a long term positive outcome in the region?

I guess the problem then becomes finding a non-corrupt entity who knows best how to go about it.