DILI, 18 may 2023 (TATOLI)– The United States (U.S.) through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Government of Timor-Leste (TL) signed an agreement to deliver more than $18 million in new development initiatives designed to bolster Timor-Leste’s non-oil sector and reinforce good governance, setting the stage for an inclusive, prosperous, and self-reliant future.
The agreement was signed by Timor-Leste’s Minister of Finance, Rui Augusto Gomes, and USAID Mission Director, Zema Semunegus, which represents a major milestone to advance Timor-Leste’s development.
The statement seen by Tatoli stated that this agreement is the second tranche of funding of an expected budget of $92.3 million through the development objective agreement (DOAG) as part of USAID’s five-year Country Development Cooperation Strategy through December 2025.
“The United States is committed to strengthening our partnership with Timor-Leste as we work to advance post-pandemic economic recovery and a more diversified, inclusive Timorese economy,” said U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Thomas Daley. “Through these new USAID programs, we will build on two decades of collaboration to help the private sector and civil society thrive.”
The DOAG is a five-year document that outlines the U.S. commitment to the development of Timor-Leste through USAID. Every year, the United States adds new funds to the DOAG; under the agreement, the Government of Timor-Leste will also contribute its funding and expertise to support national development activities.
“This new phase in our partnership will build on previous successes, by continuing to support our Customs Reform, building up the private sector, particularly as it relates to agriculture value chains and tourism, and deepening USAID’s support to the critically important Health sector,” said the Minister of Finance, Rui Augusto Gomes. “I thank the United States of America and its People for their steadfast support and I look forward to deepening our partnership to improve the lives of Timorese People through this new phase of partnership.”
“Inclusiveness, prosperity, and health are key elements of our strategy and will guide all new activities we design in support of the Timorese people and government,” said USAID Mission Director Zema Semunegus. “We will focus on ways to enhance the country’s self-reliance by seizing a window of opportunity to equip youth, women, and other marginalized populations with the tools to participate in and benefit from Timor-Leste’s economic growth and improving well-being for all.”
The overall goal of USAID’s five-year strategy funded in part under the agreement signed today is to help achieve an inclusive, prosperous, and healthy Timor-Leste that is more self-reliant.
To achieve this, USAID’s strategy will strengthen health systems and health governance, provide skills training, promote climate-smart agricultural techniques, and empower young and local leaders to bolster climate adaptation and resilience at the local community level. The strategy places a strong emphasis on increasing the supply and demand for skilled labor, while also prioritizing government effectiveness in public services, institutions, accountability, and transparency, with active engagement from civil society organizations. Through the initiative, USAID will support Timor-Leste’s Strategic Development Plan across three key priority areas: social capital, infrastructure, and economic development.
TATOLI
