Business Dialogue Brings Together Government, Donors, and Private Sector
USAID’s private-sector development project (Dezenvolve Setor Privadu, DSP) facilitated the Timor-Leste government's second business consultation meeting last week. Deputy Prime Minister Estanislau da Silva attended the meeting, as did the minister for development, the vice minister for public works, representatives of government departments, the IFC, the IMF, the World Bank, and at least 40 members of the business community, including the DSP-supported Timor-Leste Business Forum. The meeting was a major achievement in facilitating interaction among decision-makers in government, international agencies, and the private sector. Participants discussed key constraints in the business environment that hinder private-sector development, including procurement, tax, and business registration, and land titling issues. (Sept. 19, 2006)

Agricultural School's Library Gains New Equipment
One of Timor-Leste's three agricultural high schools added much-needed equipment to its library this week. Computers, desks, and chairs will improve the access to information for the 352 students and 28 teachers at the Natarbora Agricultural School in Manatuto District. The equipment was funded by USAID's Small Grants Program as part of its rehabilitation of the school's library. The grant has also funded the translation of textbooks for use at the school and at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries. (Sept. 19, 2006)

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