The European Union signs three agreements with the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste to support regional integration, training and public finance management

The three Financing Agreements were signed by H.E. Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Mrs. Adaljiza A.X.R. Magno and H.E. Ambassador of the European Union to Timor-Leste, Mr. Marc Fiedrich, representing the European Commission.

The new actions are:

• Skills Development for Employment and Resilience, EUR 6 million

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 analysed and the action will be based on adequate technical and professional profiles taking into account private sector demands and training offers.

• Regional Integration and Trade to Timor-Leste, 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.

• Strengthening Public Finance Management in Timor-Leste, EUR 3 million

This action will strengthen domestic and other revenue mobilisation as well as public expenditure management and increase transparency, efficiency and effectiveness of public expenditure for the benefit of all Timorese.

Ambassador Marc Fiedrich said at the signature: “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 of 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.”

Minister Adaljiza Magno stated: “We acknowledge and appreciate that the European Union has been one of the largest Development Partner for Timor-Leste, with whom we have shared excellent political relations and always together to consolidate Democracy, Peace and Development with respect to 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 privileged partner of the European Union”.