Alexandre Leitão, head of the EU delegation in Timor-Leste, said the funding – which totalled 4.3 million euros of support from other entities – “reflect the national strategy for institutional training and the diversification of the economy.”
The programmes are based on strengthening the management and supervision of public finances “to improve public services” and a sustainable partnership for agro-forestry and forestry, according to Portuguese news agency Lusa.
Initiatives included in the agro-forestry programme will be developed through cooperation with German agency GIZ and the International Labour Organisation, with particular focus on the towns of Baucau, Covalima, Lautem, Manatuto, Manufahi and Viqueque.
The governance programme includes two components, a first in direct budget support to the state and another through a cooperation model with Portugal’s Camões – Institute for Cooperation and Language, which will support both state institutions and non-state entities.
The EU support to Timor-Leste since 1999 totals US$300 million.
(Source: EU-ACP Brussels Office Weblog News (CTA) 04 April 2017)