DILI, 24 june 2024 (TATOLI) – The Vice-Minister for ASEAN Affairs and the Ambassador of the European Union co-chaired today the 1st meeting of the Steering Committee of the project “Support to Regional Integration and Trade in Timor-Leste”, which aims to promote sustainable economic growth through trade, supporting the WTO process, and the regional integration of Timor-Leste through its full membership to ASEAN and its accession to the EU-Pacific Economic Partnership Agreement.
The project, funded by the EU with three million euros and an expected duration of three years is implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC). The Vice-Minister for ASEAN Affairs guides the implementation of the project on behalf of the Timorese Government.
The Steering Committee has the main objective of supporting and advising the donor, the implementing partner and the beneficiaries and is composed of representatives of the Parliament, the Government, and the Private Sector together with the European Union and is serviced by the ITC.
At the event, Vice-Minister Milena Rangel stressed that “Projects need to be owned and led by Timor-Leste and must be implemented using our country systems”, adding, “I’m certain that this project will answer and materialize this request”.
She also indicated that “the goals of this project are a priority for the Government, and we are fully committed to its success”.
The vice minister thanked the European Union for its continuous support and the ITC for its commitment since the beginning of the project’s implementation.
Ambassador Marc Friedrich said: “The European Union is here to ensure that the project is followed according to the agreement signed between the EU and the Government of Timor-Leste and that the project remains aligned with the priorities of the IX Constitutional Government.”
He emphasized the role of the Steering Committee members by adding “The Steering Committee is crucial to understand how the project is benefiting your organizations and we count on you to give us feedback on the implementation of the project so far and on the needs for the next months.”
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
