The European Union will support Timor-Leste (East Timor) with a budget of 57 million euros over the next five years, under a cooperation agreement signed at the end of last week in Dili by the head of the EU delegation in Timor-Leste and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Timor-Leste.

Alexandre Leitao, head of the EU delegation in Timor-Leste, said the funding – which totalled 4.3 million euros of support from other entities – "reflect the national strategy for institutional training and the diversification of the economy."

The programmes are based on strengthening the management and supervision of public finances "to improve public services" and a sustainable partnership for agro-forestry and forestry, according to Portuguese news agency Lusa.

Initiatives included in the agro-forestry programme will be developed through cooperation with German agency GIZ and the International Labour Organisation, with particular focus on the towns of Baucau, Covalima, Lautem, Manatuto, Manufahi and Viqueque.

The governance programme includes two components, a first in direct budget support to the state and another through a cooperation model with Portugal's Camoes – Institute for Cooperation and Language, which will support both state institutions and non-state entities.

The EU support to Timor-Leste since 1999 totals US$300 million.

Source: http://www.macauhub.com.mo/en/2017/04/03/eu-signs-new-cooperation-agreement-with-timor-leste/