DILI, 6 september 2021 (TATOLI)- The European Union Delegation (DUE) and The European Investment Bank (EIB), with the Timorese Ministerial Line, held the first Steering Committee Meeting to discuss potential projects in the water and waste sectors, and the forests for Timor-Leste.
The meeting is held in the scope of the first meeting of the PSC (Project Steering Committee) and the Program Preparation and Implementation project (PPIP).
The PPIP is aimed to support the identification, preparation, and implementation of investment projects technically, financially, economically, environmentally, and socially viable in three sectors: Supply of Water, Sanitation and Drainage; Solid Waste, and Forest Management.
The project was officially launched on June 10th with an opening meeting between representatives of the Government of Timor-Leste, the European Investment Bank, the Delegation of the European Union in Timor-Leste, and COWI A/S, the project consultant.
After two months, the PSC composed of high-level representatives of the Government of Timor-Leste, the EUD in Dili, and the EIB met to discuss the project’s progress, planning of the capacity building activities, and some project ideas, among other key issues.
The Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Planning and Territory, José Maria dos Reis, led the meeting by appreciating the public for the participation and then acknowledging the progress of the PPIP as stated in the Initial Report, which presented investment opportunities that will be reviewed and updated to ensure successful project implementation.
Mr. Reis highlighted the commitment of the VIII Constitutional Government to the development of the southern part of Timor-Leste and recommended to the consultant to explore the development of multifunctional dams for water supply, agriculture, and energy in the region.
Reis emphasizes several key aspects for the success of the Program, including strengthening human resources and institutions, involving the private sector, and transfer of knowledge from the COWI consultant to the national team, particularly to the generation younger.
Finally, Mr. Reis expressed this optimism regarding the identification phase of projects that will lead to a successful pre-feasibility and feasibility phase and the overall implementation of the project.
The Ambassador of the European Union to Timor-Leste, Mr. Andrew Jacobs, at the same place referred to the synergies between the work ongoing EUD and the three sectors covered by the PPIP, saying the European Union is committed to promoting economic development and prosperity in Timor-Leste through the green and blue sustainable economic growth.
“The diversification and development of the economy represent opportunities not only for Timor-Leste but also for the European private sector and investors and investment banks. There are opportunities, particularly in the development of agroforestry value chain (market/certification niches), carbon certification, energy renewable, sustainable fishing, aquaculture and biodiversity conservation”. The Project Coordinator of the European Investment Bank, Raoul Pedrazzani, explained that after the Phase Initiate, the Project is now moving towards Project Identification,” He said
Mr. Andrew Jacobs added that the consultation with the Government of Timor-Leste, developers, beneficiaries, and potential co-financiers will be the key to the successful implementation of eligible projects.
He also stressed that the projects will have to comply with the Standards Environmental and Social and, in addition, maximizing Climate Action and Environmental Sustainability.
He expressed the EIB’s satisfaction with the excellent collaboration between the Government of Timor-Leste and the EIB team. Project in general.
The meeting was attended by S.E. Mr. José Maria dos Reis, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Ministry of Planning and Territory; S.E. Mr. Miguel Pereira de Carvalho, Minister of Administration State-owned; S.E. Ms. Adaljiza Albertina Xavier Reis Magno, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation; S.E. Mr. Rui Agusto Gomes, Minister of Finance; S.E. Mr. Andrew Jacobs, DUE Ambassador to Timor-Leste; Mr. Benoit Cambier, Head of the EIB Pacific Office; as well as other representatives of the Government of Timor-Leste, EIB, EU and PPIP Consultant COWI A/S.
Journalist: José Belarmino De Sá
Editor: Nelia Borges Rosario
