The Komoro market hall in Dili, East Timor. © Jan Banning (Panos)
The Secretary of State has announced a review of the DFID Bilateral Aid Programme. The information on this page reflects current activity and is not an indication of the direction or possible outcome of the review.
East Timor comprises the eastern half of the Pacific island of Timor. The territory consists largely of forested mountains that descend to coastal plains and mangrove swamps.
Most Timorese have made their living from agriculture, growing food crops such as sweet potatoes or corn, along with cash crops especially coffee, which has been the leading export. Farmers on the coastal plains also grow rice and plantation crops such as rubber, tobacco, and coconuts. In addition the forests yield many kinds of timber, including sandalwood.
The main source of national income in the future will be in oil and gas, as there are considerable offshore reserves.
East Timor benefits from DFID funding to the Education for All Fast Track Initiative (FTI). The FTI is a global partnership between donors and developing countries to ensure accelerated progress towards the goal of universal education. DFID is currently the FTI's second largest donor (£202 million).
In financial year 2008/09, about £2 million of DFID’s contribution to the FTI can be attributed to East Timor.
Pie chart showing UK bilateral aid spending in East Timor (2008/09)
Total UK bilateral aid received (08/09): £2.1 million
Aid by sector:
Education: 97%
Governance: 3%
