ADB: Ann Report 2002 TL Country Report - Timor-Leste

Date: 25 Jun 2003 00:57:00 GMT
Newsgroups: talk.politics.misc
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ADB: Ann Report 2002 TL Country Report
http://www.adb.org/Documents/Reports/Annual_Report/2002/tim.asp
ADB's Annual Report 2002
Country Report
Timor-Leste
Economic performance
Timor-Leste.s GDP in 2002 is estimated to have declined by about
1.0%.3.0%.
The contraction, which had the greatest impact on the construction and
services sectors, was primarily due to the decreased presence of the
United
Nations and the slower-than-expected implementation of bilateral projects
and use of the budget. Agriculture sector production rose due to increased
availability of rural capital and farm inputs. Following the reduced
international presence, commercial activity declined in terms of exports
and imports. The trade deficit was close to 45% of GDP in 2002, according
to International Monetary Fund estimates. Major economic problems, such as
a significant increase in unemployment, were concentrated in Dili.
ADB operations
Operational strategy: In May 2002, Timor-Leste became the world.s newest
country; shortly thereafter, the Government introduced the National
Development Plan (NDP). In July 2002, Timor-Leste joined ADB. An ADB
country strategy, to be formulated in 2003, is expected to focus on
helping
the Government meet its NDP goals of reducing poverty and accelerating
economic growth. For more on Timor-Leste, see the Special Theme chapter.
Policy dialogue: Several ADB technical assistance grants have included
components for developing a regulatory and legislative framework and
analyzing policy issues. High-level policy dialogue with the Government is
expected to be part of a 2003 country programming mission.
Loans and technical assistance: No loans have been approved yet for
Timor-Leste. In 2002, two advisory technical assistance totaling $1.3
million were approved (see tables 24 and 25 in the Statistical Annex
http://www.adb.org/Documents/Reports/Annual_Report/2002/stat_annex.pdf).
Project implementation: Since the start of ADB operations in the country
in
2000.before it became an ADB member in 2002.Timor-Leste has received 20
technical assistance totaling $8.6 million, of which 11 are substantially
completed and 9 are ongoing.
Tmor-Leste
* Country Strategy and Program 2001.2003 http://www.adb.org/Documents/CAPs/ETM/
* Special Office established in Dili in 2002
* Web Site http://www.adb.org/Timor-Leste/
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