At 11:00 am on 5th July, 2019, the Commencement Ceremony of the China-Aided Project of Grain Depot and Grain Processing Facility was officially held in BauCau, the second largest city of Timor-Leste, surrounding with the majestic national anthem of China and Timor-Leste. H.E. Dr. Xiao Jianguo, Chinese Ambassador to Timor-Leste, and H.E. Mr. Joaquim dos Reis Martins, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, respectively delivered a speech on behalf of their governments. Mr. Liu Zhenhua, Commercial Counselor of Chinese Embassy, Mr. Geng Xiewei, Commercial Counselor of Chinese Embassy, H.E. Mr. Abel Pires Ximenes, President of Committee E, National Parliament, H.E. Mr. Alexandrino de Araújo, Secretary of State for Civil Protection, H.E. Mr. António Guterres, President of Municipality of Baucau, H.E. Mr. Constâncio Pinto, Former Minister of Commerce, Industry and the Environment and other Timorese dignitaries, representatives from Chinese enterprises and institutions and Timorese media attended the ceremony.
H.E. Ambassador Xiao noted that the Project is Chinese government’s first foreign-aid project of grain depot, which has became an important achievement and another witness of friendly cooperation between China and Timor-Leste, and opened a new page for China-Timor-Leste agriculture cooperation. The project’s construction will not only be beneficial in promoting grain production and ensuring national food security, but also have a great relevance and significance for developing food-processing industry and diversifying the economy in Timor-Leste.
H.E Ambassador Xiao emphasized that China and Timor-Leste enjoy a long-standing friendship. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties 17 years ago, the mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields has been continuously deepened, bringing concrete and tangible benefits to Timorese people. China is willing and capable to cooperate comprehensively with Timor-Leste, including agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry, fishery and water conservancy.
H.E. Mr. Joaquim, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, on behalf of Prime Minister, H.E. Mr. Taur Matan Ruak and Government of Timor-Leste, thanked the Chinese government and people for their assistance and support, and hoped that the two governments and people will further strengthen cooperation and exchanges. H.E. Mr. Joaquim said that the Project will be of great significance for reducing the loss and waste of grain harvest in Timor-Leste, ensuring local grain production, lowering the dependence on grain imports and achieving the strategic goals of agricultural development in Timor-Leste.
H.E. Ambassador Xiao and H.E. Mr. Joaquim then laid the foundation stone for the Project.