EIB to support Timor-Leste in development of water, wastewater and forestry projects

The projects will be prepared under the Project Preparation and Implementation Programme for Timor-Leste established by Team Europe and the government of Timor-Leste.

The European Union Delegation to Timor-Leste and the European Investment Bank (EIB), the bank of the European Union, will support the government of Timor-Leste in the development of bankable water, wastewater and forestry projects designed to raise living and business standards in the country.

The projects developed under this partnership will improve long-term resilience and help Timor-Leste adapt to climate change and natural disasters such as COVID-19, as well as modernise utility services nationwide, including water, sewerage, drainage and waste management.

The projects will be prepared under the Project Preparation and Implementation Programme for Timor-Leste established by Team Europe and the government of Timor-Leste. The programme enables partners to create a pipeline of projects, identify their potential co-financiers, and fast-track implementation with the aid of funds and grants from both the European Union and the EIB. 

Ambroise Fayolle, Vice President of the EIB, said: “The EIB is very proud of our contribution to the improvement of living and business environment in Timor-Leste. The pipeline of projects we will build and eventually co-finance with our European partners will tackle a number of key issues for Timor-Leste and its people and contribute to the sustainable, long-term development of the country. Our unique mix of technical assistance in project preparation, EU grants and EIB`s more accessible finances will support Timor-Leste in accelerating adaptation to climate change, a key for safe and sustainable future of the country and its economy.”

Andrew Jacobs, EU Ambassador to Timor-Leste, said: “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 represent 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.”

José Maria dos Reis, Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Planning and Territory said: “The government of Timor-Leste is impressed with the progress of the Project Preparation and Implementation Programme and the investment opportunities it has identified. Strengthening human resources and institutions, ensuring private sector involvement, and sharing project preparation knowledge with national staff, particularly the country’s younger generation, is a priority for the government and I am glad we have the support of the European Union for this important task.”

The Project Preparation and Implementation Programme operates on a €5 million budget, with €4.75 million contributed by the EIB as technical assistance, and €250 000 from the Cotonou Partnership Agreement subsidy. The programme aims to present between two to four projects for EIB financing.