Timor-Leste- Goodbye Conflict and Welcome Development
His Excellency Joao Mendes Goncalves
Hosted by: The AIIA NSW
The event will start on: Tuesday, 10 August 2010 6:00 PM
And will end on: Tuesday, 10 August 2010 7:30 PM
At The Glover Cottages, Sydney
9247 2709 nsw.branch@aiia.asn.au
Posted by: nsw
The Australian Institute of International Affairs
His Excellency Joao Mendes Goncalves
Minister of Economy and Development in the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste
At the annexation of East Timor by Indonesia, the Minister was acting chief of staff in the Governor’s office in Dili, but he was quickly evacuated to Melbourne where he attended the Chisholm Institute of Technology in Caulfield, as a second year social studies student. From there he spent 14 years as a social worker for the East Timorese community in Victoria, helping to re-settle refugees from his country of birth.
After working with Xanana Gusmao, then chairman of the National Council for the East Timorese Resistance in negotiations in Indonesia, he was called upon to chair a task force to deal with the post crisis humanitarian situation in East Timor.
In 2000, Minister Goncalves joined other East Timorese in founding the Social Democratic Party of East Timor, where two years later he became a member of the national Parliament, as well as secretary-general of the PSD. A year later he became the party’s vice president, and, after a series of portfolio responsibilities, became Minister for Economic Development in the present government.
TIMOR-LESTE - GOODBYE CONFLICT AND WELCOME DEVELOPMENT
It is eight years since the country gained its independence and it has not been an easy time. In his address the Minister will outline the vision which he and his colleagues have for their fledgling country and its people and will describe how a post-conflict country is trying to rebuild from the ashes, transforming it into a democratic state under the rule of law.
After a faltering start, the present government has restored peace and stability; instilled business confidence, and created sustainable economic growth. Private investment inquiries are growing steadily. Timor-Leste has tremendous potential for the natural resources, particularly the oil and gas which may well provide an income base for the country’s sustained growth. But it is important to develop investment in a number of areas, such as agriculture, fishing, mining, tourism and agribusiness, and as well address the humanitarian and social development of the people which has figured high in the priorities of the government.
Date: Tuesday 10 August 2010
Time: Refreshments 6:00 pm Presentation 6:30 pm - 7.30pm
Venue: The Glover Cottages,
Cost: AIIA members $15; Concession $10; Visitors $25
1. PLEASE RSVP ONLINE or EMAIL ACCEPTANCE to nsw.branch@aiia.asn.au
2. Telephone acceptance to (02) 9247 2709 (if unattended leave a voicemail message)
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