DILI, 17 April 2026 (TATOLI) — The Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry, Marcos da Cruz, on Wednesday chaired a coordination meeting in Dili with development partners aimed at strengthening alignment and harmonisation of programmes across the agriculture, livestock, fisheries and forestry sectors.
The meeting sought to improve coordination between government institutions and international partners, address identified gaps, and enhance the effectiveness of programme and project implementation, with the goal of delivering direct benefits to communities, including higher household incomes, improved living conditions and strengthened food security.
Participants reviewed progress made over the past year, with the Ministry and development partners exchanging information on implemented activities, key achievements and existing challenges.
Marcos da Cruz said agriculture remains the foundation of the rural economy, supporting livelihoods, increasing productivity, strengthening value chains and promoting more resilient farming practices.
He noted that in the livestock sector, improved animal health services and production systems are helping to increase rural incomes. In fisheries, he highlighted the potential of sustainable resource management and aquaculture development, supported by improved infrastructure and basic services, to drive economic growth and improve nutrition. In forestry, he stressed that biodiversity protection and the sustainable use of natural resources are essential for the country’s environmental and economic future.
According to the minister, ongoing cooperation has already produced positive results across agriculture, horticulture, livestock, fisheries and forestry sectors. He cited increased fish consumption as an example, rising from 6.1 kilograms per capita in 2012 to 8.7 kilograms, which he said reflects progress, particularly in aquaculture development.
The meeting also identified areas requiring stronger coordination, particularly in the implementation of programmes at municipal level, including the distribution of agricultural equipment. Participants agreed on measures to improve coordination between different levels of implementation to increase the effectiveness of activities on the ground.
The session was attended by government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, international organisations and development partners, including representatives from the United States, Japan and the World Bank, as well as national agencies linked to the sector.
Participants reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening coordination and cooperation to improve outcomes in agriculture, livestock, fisheries and forestry, and to support higher household incomes and broader national economic development.
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