26 of August 2021: Today, several Ministries, representatives from the European Union Delegation (EUD), and the European Investment Bank (EIB), met to discuss potential projects in the water, solid waste, and forestry sectors for Timor-Leste, in the scope of the First Project Steering Committee (PSC) meeting of the Project Preparation and Implementation Programme (PPIP).
The PPIP aims to support the identification, preparation, and implementation of technically, financially, economically, environmentally, and socially sound investment projects in three sectors: Water Supply, Sanitation and Drainage; Solid Waste Management and Forestry.
The Project was officially launched on 10th of June 2021 with a kick-off meeting between representatives of the Government of Timor-Leste, the European Investment Bank, the European Union Delegation Timor-Leste, and COWI the project consultant.
After two months, the Project Steering Committee, composed of high-level representatives of the Government of Timor-Leste, the EUD in Dili and the EIB, met to discuss the progress of the project, the planning of capacity building activities and a few project ideas, among other key issues.
His Excellence the Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Planning and Territory, Eng Jose Maria dos Reis, opened the meeting by thanking the audience’s participation followed by recognizing the progress of the PPIP as shown in the Inception Report, which presented investment opportunities that will be reviewed and updated to ensure success in project implementation. His Excellence highlighted the commitment of the VIII Constitutional Government with development of the southern part of Timor-Leste and recommend the consultant to explore the development of multi-purpose dams for water supply, agriculture, and energy in the region. His Excellence also mentioned some key aspects to the success of the Programme including strengthening of human resources and institutions, private sector involvement, and transfer of knowledge from the COWI consultant to national staff, particularly to the younger generation. Finally, his Excellence expressed his optimism towards the project identification phase which will lead to a successful pre-feasibility and feasibility stages and overall project implementation.
The Ambassador of the European Union to Timor-Leste, Mr Andrew Jacobs, mentioned synergies between the on-going work of the EUD and the three sectors covered by the PPIP, adding that “the European Union is keen to promote economic development and prosperity in Timor-Leste through green and blue sustainable economic growth. Diversification and development of the economy represents opportunities not only for Timor-Leste but also for the European private sector and for investors and investment banks. Opportunities exist particularly in value chain development in agroforestry (niche markets/certification), carbon certification, renewable energy, sustainable fisheries, aquaculture and biodiversity conservation”.
The Project Coordinator for the European Investment Bank, Mr Raoul Pedrazzani, explained that following the Inception Phase, the Project is now moving to the Identification of projects. At this point, consultation with the Government of Timor-Leste, promotors, beneficiaries and potential co-financiers will be key to a successful implementation of eligible projects. He also stressed that the projects will have to fulfil the Environmental and Social Standards and in addition, maximize the Climate Action and Environmental Sustainability. Finally, he expressed the EIB satisfaction with the excellent collaboration between the Government of Timor-Leste and the Project team in general.
The meeting was attended by H.E. Mr. José Maria dos Reis, Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Ministry of Planning and Territory; H.E. Mr. Miguel Pereira de Carvalho, Minister of State Administration; H.E. Ms. Adaljiza Albertina Xavier Reis Magno, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation; H.E. Mr. Rui Agusto Gomes, Minister of Finance; H.E. Mr Andrew Jacobs, Ambassador of the EUD to Timor-Leste; Mr Benoit Cambier, Head of the Pacific Office EIB; as well as other representatives from the Government of Timor- Leste, the EIB, the EU, and the PPIP Consultant COWI.
About the project Steering Committee of PPI Programme
The Project Steering Committee of the PPIP is co-chaired by the Ministry of Planning and Territory, the Ministry of Finance, and the European Investment Bank. The Government of Timor-Leste is also represented in the PSC by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, the Ministry of State Administration, Bee Timor-Leste, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.
About the European Union
The European Union (EU) is a unique economic and political union between 27 European countries that, together, cover much of the continent. The predecessor of the EU – The European Coal and Steel Community – was created in the aftermath of the Second World War and was built on the understanding that countries that trade with one another become economically interdependent and therefore more likely to avoid conflict. In Timor-Leste the EU is the second largest donor of development aid (grant funding). The EU is committed to support Timor-Leste 2011-2030 Strategic Development plan, which aims to transform Timor-Leste into an upper-middle-income country by 2030 based on rapid, inclusive growth enabling it to improve infrastructure, worker skills, education, training and health systems, and combat poverty and malnutrition. The EU assistance focuses on green and sustainable economic recovery and development, rural development, good governance for sustainable development and gender equality.
For more information please contact:
Mr Jan Drozdz, PPIP Team Leader
Email: jadrx(at)cowi.com