The Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, through the Minister of State, Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs and Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Estanislau da Silva, inaugurated the tilapia production programme (freshwater fishes) with 10,200 units, on March 31st, 2016 in Gleno Production Centre, in Ermera. This programme was supported by the New Zealander Government.
According to the Minister, the Government of Timor-Leste has been having a good cooperation with the New Zealander Government: “I thank the Government of New Zealand for the support given to the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries in project areas such as Aquaculture and rehabilitation of coffee culture”.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries has worked with the World Fish Center and the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA), to distribute tilapia production in the Municipalities of Manufahe, Viqueque, Maliana and Baucau.” The consumption of fish is of great importance, particularly to children, because it improves their ability to think,” said Estanislau da Silva.
For his part, the Ambassador of New Zealand, Jonathan Douglas Schawass stated: “New Zealand remains ready to support agriculture and related areas in Timor-Leste.”