“Ai ba Futuru” organizes the Second Agroforestry and Trade Fair in Dili
“Ai ba Futuru” - Partnership for Sustainable Agroforestry (PSAF), a project co-financed by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF), organizes the second agroforestry and trade fair from 24th until the 26th of February at Timor Plaza.
After the great success of the first Agroforestry and Trade Fair in November 2020 at CCD in Dili, the second edition will be organized for 3 consecutive days, bringing together different actors along the agroforestry value chains. More than 36 exhibitors will show their products, including coconut oil producers, fruit processors, seedling producers, financial institutions, cooperative groups, government institutions and digital transaction companies. Additionally, 20 local vendors will sell food in the food court.
The fair was officially be opened by H.E. Joaquim Amaral, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs (MCAE), together with H.E. José Lucas do Carmo da Silva, Minister of Tourism, Trade and Industry, H.E. Pedro dos Reis, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, H.E. Andrew Jacobs, European Union Ambassador and Rainer Schellhaas, GIZ Country Coordinator. Afterwards, different speakers from various organizations will deliver interactive speeches on topics related to the agroforestry value chains.
On his intervention the Country Coordinator, Rainer Schellhaas, said: My special thank belongs to the political partners in Timor-Leste supporting us in all aspects of implementation. To the European Union and the German Ministry of Economic Development and Cooperation for providing the funds for the project, to the Ai ba Futuru team organizing this fair and most of all, to the farmers and partners in rural areas for cooperating, spending their time and sharing their experience with us. Now, I would like to wish you all the best for the 3 days at the Agroforestry and Trade Fair.
The Head of Cooperation, Ramón Reigada stated "the EU recognizes the potential of Timor-Leste in agro-forestry and sustainable agriculture. This is a fundamental sector that can provide employment and income for a large number of Timorese in rural and urban areas. Sustainably managed it provides also services for the environment, climate change adaptation and mitigation. It is a virtuous circle cycle that will help Timor-Leste to contribute in the new global dynamic toward sustainable goals”… “ we consider agroforestry and sustainable agriculture as a priority through our current Multi Indicative Programme (MIP 2014 – 2020). Since 2016, 13 projects for a value of 66.3 M€ are in support to this sector. And as recently presented officially our new partnership with the Government of Timor Leste, the MIP 2021-2027, earmarks a substantial amount for “Green and Sustainable economic recovery and development” (25 M€) including agro-forestry.”
The Minister of MAF, Pedro dos Reis, showed is appreciation "I am really happy that "Ai ba Futuru" is organizing its second Agroforestry and Trade Fair. After the first edition in November 2020 at CCD, I appreciate that GIZ is organizing another successful fair. During these 3 days we expect that all participants, exhibitors and speakers can share their experience within the agroforestry value chain and share how to overcome obstacles. I am very happy that we can promote agroforestry value chains through this fair. Whatever form of work you do in your business is one form to contribute to the development of the country.
The fair is being held in two areas of Timor Plaza, in the parking area (outside) for 36 exhibition stands and the food court, and presentation sessions taking place inside Timor Plaza. During the 3-day exhibition, visitors will enjoy various activities such as cooking shows with local ingredients, demonstrations of effective chainsaw milling and pruning equipment, an agroforestry card game competition, demonstration of mushroom production, streaming of different videos, local music concerts, and a marmalade cooking demonstration. In addition, visitors can also get to know more about agroforestry by experiencing an agroforest through a 360° video, learn more about "Ai ba Futuru" or see how drones can be used for area measurement.
