Timor-Leste’s ASEAN Aspirations: ADB President’s Visit Highlights Partnership for Growth

Dili, Timor-Leste – The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is reaffirming its commitment to Timor-Leste’s development and its⁢ integration into the regional⁣ economy, as underscored by the recent⁤ visit of ADB President Masatsugu Kawada. the visit, which focused on expanding economic opportunities, empowering youth, and delivering ‍tangible results, coincides with Timor-Leste’s significant step towards ASEAN membership.

A Partnership Forged in Resilience and ⁢Vision

Mr. Kawada’s four-day engagement with Timor-Leste’s ⁤leadership,⁤ including Finance Minister Santina Cardoso, marked his first visit as ADB President to a member state classified as fragile and conflict-affected, and a small island developing state.⁢ This designation highlights ‍ADB’s dedication to supporting its most ⁢vulnerable ⁢members.

“ADB is proud to stand with the people and Government of Timor-Leste at this historic moment, ‍working together to expand economic opportunities, empower young people, and ⁣deliver tangible results that improve lives,” stated Mr. Kawada, emphasizing the bank’s role in Timor-Leste’s journey from independence to its aspirations for ASEAN ⁣membership.

Longstanding support Across key Sectors

ADB’s partnership with Timor-Leste, dating back to 2002, has been instrumental in driving investments across critical sectors such ⁣as transport, water, ⁤energy, and rural livelihoods. The recent visit served to reinforce this enduring collaboration.

Investing in Rural Livelihoods: The CALIP Success⁢ Story

A key highlight of the visit was Mr.Kawada’s tour of the Coffee and Agroforestry Livelihood⁤ Improvement Project (CALIP). Here, he met with local farmers and community leaders, gaining firsthand insight ⁣into the project’s impact. Coffee cultivation, a vital sector for Timor-Leste’s economic diversification beyond oil, is undertaken by 38% of the nation’s families.

Boosting Coffee ⁢Quality and Farmer Incomes

Supported by ADB ⁤and the Government of Japan, CALIP directly assists 2,000 farming families. The project focuses on enhancing coffee quality, increasing ⁤farmer incomes, and promoting innovative agroforestry ⁤techniques. This initiative exemplifies how strategic development partnerships are making a tangible difference in rural communities.

Modernizing Infrastructure for Regional Connectivity

The visit also ⁣included a tour of Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport, currently undergoing expansion with crucial ⁢support from ADB, Australia, and Japan. This upgrade is poised to significantly enhance Timor-Leste’s regional connectivity and meet stringent ASEAN standards for infrastructure and safety.

doubling Passenger Capacity and Driving Economic Growth

upon completion,the upgraded airport is projected to more than double annual passenger capacity to over‍ 400,000 by 2030. This expansion is expected to stimulate growth in tourism, trade, and investment, while strengthening Timor-leste’s linkages with the ⁢broader Asia and Pacific region.

future Cooperation: Aligning with National Priorities

Throughout his visit, Mr. Kawada reiterated ADB’s readiness to deepen development cooperation, aligning ⁤with Timor-Leste’s national priorities. Key areas for future collaboration include investments in resilient infrastructure, fostering private sector development, and creating employment opportunities ⁣for the nation’s youth.

ADB: A Partner for Inclusive and Enduring Growth

the Asian Development Bank is a leading multilateral development bank committed to fostering inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across ⁤Asia and the Pacific. By collaborating with its members and partners, ADB employs innovative financial tools and strategic alliances to address complex challenges, transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and protect‍ the surroundings.founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 member countries, with 50 located within the region.