Responding to the President of Timor-Leste Francisco Guterres Lú Olo’s recent comments on the “very urgent” need to diversify the economy away from oil and gas, and invest in local agriculture and manufacturing, Oxfam in Timor-Leste Country Director Kathy Richards said:
“Oxfam strongly supports the President of Timor-Leste’s comments to urgently diversify the economy away from oil and gas, and develop key areas such as agriculture, manufacturing and tourism.”
“Oxfam works to ensure all communities in Timor-Leste can benefit from economic growth. We acknowledge the importance of the oil and gas sector, but Timor-Leste also has a great potential to develop its tourism, agriculture, and education sectors.”
“Oxfam in Timor-Leste’s recent report, Towards Economic Diversification in Timor-Leste, shows that in the past ten years, agriculture and manufacturing has not grown. The poverty gap between urban and rural communities is getting bigger.”
“An inclusive economy in Timor-Leste will benefit all people. The development of rural farming communities is essential. 70% of the country’s population relies on agriculture for their livelihoods.”
“Oxfam works with 20 local partners in Timor-Leste and we look forward to working closely with the Government for a just and inclusive Timor-Leste.”
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For interviews or more information, please contact Fernando Da Costa, Partnerships and Influencing Senior Manager, on fernandod@oxfam.org.au