Timor-Leste begins exporting cloves
The Government of Timor-Leste attended the first export of cloves, a ceremony that took place on August the 5th, in the Cooperative Cafe Timor (CCT), at their coffee processing facilities in Akadiru-Hun, Dili.
The intention of this attendance is to support the development of the exporting of high-value products, in the municipalities of Aileu, Baucau, Ermera, Lautem and Viqueque, such as cocoa, fruits, cassava, vanilla, black pepper, and now clove. It is another project funded by the Government of the United States, implemented by NCBA (National Cooperative Business Association - the National Association of American trade unions) and CCT.
This export has the United States as a destination and it was possible due to the cooperation between the CCT and McCormick, the world's largest export company.
The Prime Minister Rui Maria de Araujo, argued that, before buying agricultural products, cooperatives should establish contacts with international companies in order to ensure that there is a market for the products, which, is not an easy task, according to him; but CCT has done it, being a pioneer.
Also attending the ceremony were the Minister of State and Coordinator of Economic and Social Affairs, the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Estanislau da Silva, the Ambassador of the United States of America, Karen Stanton, the Ambassador of New Zealand, Vicki Poole, representatives of NCBA and McCormick, and the leaders of CCT.
