DÍLI, July 17, 2020 (TATOLI) – The European Union has allocated a further US$7.6 million to support Timor-Leste the development of sustainability.
The focus will be on three priority areas. Four million dollars will go to Financial Reform in Public Management, while $2.2 million is allocated to nutrition development and 1.4 million dollars for the decentralization plan.
“$7.6 million was transferred to Timor-Leste’s national treasury account as part of three European Union supported programs, which are underway in Timor-Leste” – EU Ambassador to TL Andrew Jacob speaking to Tatoli in his office Surik Mas Dili.
Ambassador Jacob added the importance of recognising these funds are to become part of the government budget, which means that it is up to the Government to manage it properly and rigorously. Similarly the rest of the Government’s budget, Ambassador Jacob stated that this fund would be subject to parliamentary supervision and scrutiny by the Court of Auditors.
“Budget support recognizes the implementation of reforms by the Timorese authorities in three key areas – public financial management, nutrition and decentralisation. The reforms are for the benefit of Timorese citizens and promote the Sustainable Development Goals”, he said.
” The EU is pleased to contribute $7.6 million this year to Timor-Leste’s budget. I am confident that the funds will help to accelerate sustainable economic growth, improve service delivery and enhance the livelihoods of all citizens. While we recognise that significant challenges remain, especially in with the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, the EU is pleased to support reforms in these critical areas of public financial management, nutrition, and decentralisation. “he said
However, Ambassador Jacob said that ongoing yearly support of the budget depends on the implementations of strategies and that the Government meet the targets.
” Only when the strategy and targets are meet by the government, we are able to allocate more fund,” Ambassador Jacob said.
On Thursday, July 23 July, high-level representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of State Administration will hold a dialogue with representatives of the European Union to review the reformed agenda, progress, and bottlenecks in the three sectors linked to the EU budget support. Representatives of civil society and development agencies will also take part.
Journalist: Dencio Hafoie
Editor: Julia Chatarina/Nick Kattle
Translation: NeliaBorges Rosario
