Also available in: Tetum Contacts: in Dili, Luis Sequeira (670) 723 0554 lsequeira@worldbank.org in Sydney, Elisabeth Mealey 61-2-9235 6331 emealey@worldbank.org Dili, October 12, 2005---The World Bank’s Board of Directors today endorsed the First Consolidation Support Program (CSP I) for Timor-Leste which will provide additional financial resources of US$10 million to the FY06 Government budget. The World Bank will contribute an International Development Association (IDA) grant of around US$0.5 million to the CSP together with eight bilateral partners who will provide additional funding of US$9.5 million. The partners include Australia, Finland, Ireland, Norway, New Zealand, Portugal, UK and the US. Speaking on the occasion in Dili, the Country Manager Ms Elisabeth Huybens said: “We are pleased to support the Government in progressing towards the goals of the National Development Plan. Under the CSP, we hope to continue the model of the Transition Support Program which provides a forum for policy dialogue between the Government and development partners. In particular, we hope these discussions will contribute to smooth budget execution for better service delivery and creation of jobs.” The policy actions developed every year through the dialogue between government and donor partners in the CSP, are laid out in a results matrix and implemented through the budget by the government. Twice a year, the Government and donors review the progress on all program goals supported by the CSP. In this way progress can be effectively monitored. The CSP I will focus on three priority areas of the Government: delivering sustainable services in health and education and infrastructure, creating productive employment and strengthening governance. The Government has committed to pursue a host of specific policy actions including: reduced child mortality through immunization and improved maternal and child health in the health sector; raising the enrolment rates and teacher’s training in the education sector, ensuring the availability of power in Dili and the districts. In its efforts to promote gainful employment, the CSP will support the Emigrant Workers Program and the various policy and training initiatives to develop private sector enterprise as well increased food production and agribusinesses. In Governance, the CSP will support the newly legislated institutions in the petroleum sector. Policies and programs to enhance the timely delivery of justice and safeguards against corruption, including the strengthening of the capacity of the Office of the Inspector General and the Provedor, will be implemented. For more information please visit www.worldbank.org/tl. |
RSS