DILI, 17 march 2023 ( TATOLI)-The European Union (EU) and Timor-Leste signed a financial agreement worth 12 USD million to support the three programs in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Public Finance Management (PFM), and Regional Integration and Trade, including ASEAN, WTO and EU Economic Partnership Agreement (iEPA).
The agreement was signed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Adaljiza A.X.R. Magno, and Ambassador of the European Union to Timor-Leste, Mr. Marc Fiedrich, representing the European Commission.
Ambassador Marc Friedrich said at the European Union has a long-standing partnership with Timor-Leste, based on the shared values of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
“Today, we are marking a further step in our cooperation with the signature of these agreements that will contribute to the sustainable and integrated development of Timor-Leste. The EU has ample experience in regional integration and I am particularly pleased that we can stand by Timor-Leste’s side to help make ASEAN accession a success for the people of Timor-Leste.” the Ambassador of EU to Timor -Leste, Marc Friedrich told reporters in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation’s office Pantai Kelapa, Dili on thursday.
Ambassador Marc Friedrich emphasized that the EU will implement the projects into the new actions are; Skills Development for Employment and Resilience, worth 6 million EUR, adding that this action will increase quality employment and entrepreneurship opportunities in the agroforestry sector for youth, particularly young women and girls.
“The opportunities and needs for the development of a green and circular economy in the agroforestry sector will be analyzed and the action will be based on adequate technical and professional profiles taking into account private sector demands and training offers,”
While Regional Integration and Trade to Timor-Leste, worth EUR 3 million. This action will support Timor-Leste’s economic integration with and trade in South East Asia, by improving and supporting coordination and consultation mechanisms for the preparation of accession to ASEAN, WTO, and iEPA.
“The action will strengthen the capacities for the negotiations of, accession to, and implementation of the agreements,”
The third one is Strengthening Public Finance Management in Timor-Leste, a financial worth EUR 3 million.
“This action will strengthen domestic and other revenue mobilization as well as public expenditure management and increase transparency, efficiency, and effectiveness of public expenditure for the benefit of all Timorese,”
At the same place the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Adaljiza Magno on behalf of the Government of Timor – Leste, appreciates this grant and will coordinate with related ministries to implement the program successfully based on the objective achievement.
“We acknowledge and appreciate that the European Union has been one of the largest Development Partners for Timor-Leste, with whom we have shared excellent political relations and always together to consolidate Democracy, Peace, and Development concerning Human Rights. We are looking to the new “Global Gateway” Strategy of the European Commission, which will bring a range of new cooperation opportunities, in the areas of economic recovery, digitalization, climate and energy, health, education, and research in this post covid-19 impact. We believe that Timor-Leste can contribute to finding solutions in the short, medium, and long term, and continue to remain as a privileged partner of the European Union” she concluded.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor : Nelia B.
