DILI, 17 september 2021 ( TATOLI) -The Ministry of Finance (MF) and the European Union (EU) held a policy dialogue on Public Finance Management (PFM), predominantly about EU budget support programs.
The Minister of Finance, Rui Gomes, said that the meeting aims to discuss progress in policy implementation, identify gaps in partnership services with development partners, thus strengthening the supervision of public finance management, as well as coordination between all stakeholders related to EU-funded programs.
“The direct budget that the European Union provides, specifically to the Ministry of Finance, will significantly contribute to the critical areas of PFM reform, which still require assistance, including strengthening effectiveness, integrity, citizen guidance, execution and control of public finances. ”, said the Minister of Finance, Rui Gomes, in his speech, in the auditorium Xanana Gusmão, in Dili.
The Ambassador of the European Union in Timor-Leste, Andrew Jacobs, said that the EU is fully available to assist the Timorese Government in the reform of Public Finance Management (PFM), through budget support linked to the implementation of the reform, through assistance technique provided by Instituto Camões.
“The European Union is proud to provide financial assistance to Timor-Leste in the context of public finance reform. The dialogue aims to assess the difficulties and progress of the support of the European Union and development partners to the Timorese Government”, informed Andrew Jacobs, in a statement to journalists at the Xanana Gusmão auditorium of the Ministry of Finance.
The European diplomat was pleased to work with the Ministry of Finance to discuss current challenges in the area of public finance reform.
The ongoing EU financial contribution to PFM reform, which includes budget support and technical assistance, is worth US$35 million.
EU support is in line with the National Strategic Development Plan 2011-2030 for better delivery of public services to the people of Timor-Leste.
EU assistance focuses on the recovery and development of the green and sustainable economy, rural development, good governance for sustainable development, and gender equality.
Journalist : Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Nelia Borges
