Towards Economic Diversification in Timor-Leste

Oecusse, Timor-Leste: Marcelina Aquesen and her husband Fernando Meo have received training from Oxfam to teach them new methods of growing crops better suited to the climatic conditions they experience.
Paper publication date: 
Monday, September 2, 2019

Oxfam in Timor-Leste developed the policy paper ‘Towards Economic Diversification in Timor-Leste’ as part of its ‘Strengthening Voices for Pathways in Good Governance’ program (also known as Hadalan Lian Ba Governasaun Diak in Tetun).

Timor-Leste’s dependence to oil and gas is the highest in the world. There is an urgent need, however, to diversify its economy as analysis suggests that this is not sustainable in the long-term. In the past ten years, findings suggest that the wealth gap between urban and rural communities have widened. With 70% of the population relying on subsistence farming, key sectors such as agriculture are key to the future prosperity in Timor-Leste.

This report highlights the urgency to diversify Timor-Leste's economy and focuses on the key trends in Timor-Leste such as poverty, growth, employment and imports and exports. It is also a resource to help policymakers and communities understand key economic concepts.

To read more about the 'Strengthening Voices for Pathways in Good Governance' program, click here.