Rede Feto women’s network umbrella organization in Timor-Leste urged the government to ensure the funds allocation out of the general state budget 2015 is used to invest in the productive sector, that is, in agriculture, fisheries and also in the tourism sector so there is an increase in revenue for the state as well as improve livelihoods.
“We urge the 2015 general state budget does not just get spent but is invested productive sectors as a away to replace our over reliance on the petroleum sector and the annual budget we spend,” said the President of the Board of Rede Feto Ivete Oliveira at the National Parliament, Dili.
She added that investing in the agriculture sector would improve the community’s access to food.
Meanwhile Member of Parliament MP Angelica da Costa has concerns over the continuing prioritizing of the infrastructure sector in 2015 rather than prioritizing the productive sector which will directly benefit the life of the citizens.
“Development is not about building tall buildings not about building highways or about buying brand cars. Development must be about improving the lives of the people,” said MP da Costa.
The MP added that in the past seven years governments have spent some $6.2 billion on infrastructure without significant results for the people.
Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao said there were four priorities out of the 2015 general state budget that look at creating short and long term policies for sustainable economic growth and that these will benefit all Timorese and includes infrastructure development
“We must invest in quality infrastructure to support economic growth, support services delivery, and push for development in all the productive sectors,” said PM Gusmao.
The PM added the state also has the obligation to protect and look after those Timoroan who do not get a direct benefit from economic growth.
