Australia funds rice processing plant in Timor Leste

A rice processing factory, which will benefit about 300 farmers in Timor-Leste (East Timor), has been inaugurated in Baucau, in the east of the country, the Australian embassy in Timor Leste said Tuesday.
Inaugurated Monday, the factory was built as part of an Australian program to support market development that identifies industrial projects for Timor Leste and helps entrepreneurs overcome obstacles in setting up their businesses.
The Australian aid supported the import of materials and installation of the plant, construction of a warehouse and installation of a packaging machine.
“A strong private sector is the key to a better standard of life, since it means more jobs and more income, not only in Dili but across the country,” said Ambassador Peter Doyle cited in the press release.
The plant will process rice for the Timorese market labeled as “Timor Fos (Timor Rice),” which can be sold in every supermarket in the country and reduce dependence on imports.  MDT/Macauhub