The Government of Timor-Leste, through the Minister of Economy and Development, João Mendes Gonçalves and the Representative of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) for Indonesia and Timor-Leste, Mr. Imran Farooque, signed, on May 13, a cooperation and transfer of production equipment at the Center Bamboo Bamboo Production Tibar of UNIDO to the Government of Timor-Leste.

In his opening remarks the Minister of Economy and Development, João Mendes Gonçalves, said this project has demonstrated a unique partnership between UNIDO and the Government of Timor-Leste.

The project will contribute towards building both the institutional capacity and skills development of potential entrepreneurs based on agro industrial development creating employment and income, generation activities for economic growth and development especially in rural areas.

The main objectives of this project are the establishment of a Bamboo Skills Development and Demonstration Centre in Timor Leste, and the development of technical assistance programmes in coordination between the Ministry of Economy and Development and UNIDO.

The Bamboo Centre can now be utilized as training centre and production facility.