annual report embassy of timor-leste beijing china

EMBAIXADA DA REPÚBLICADEMOCRÁTICA DE TIMOR-LESTE EM BEIJINGREPÚBLICA POPULAR DA CHINA

OURPERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR

Annual Report1 January ~ 31 December 2007Authors: Dra. Vicky Tchong &

Dr. Felizberto (Tony) de Araújo Duarte

Executive Summary & Message

This Annual Report provides an outline of our achievements of the year. 2007 has been the year of our noteworthy achievements in China, notwithstanding the limited resources as well as the manpower.

On the political and the diplomatic fronts, we toiled tirelessly in securing a reciprocal state visit of the President of Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste as well as that of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, which has born fruit to the recent revelation from the Chinese side that its Vice Minister, H.E. Mr. Wu Da Wei was scheduled to visit Timor-Leste in 2008. Meanwhile, the visit of our President will have to be undertaken also in 2008 due to circumstances on the ground in our country. In addition, with the generosity of the Chinese government, major project constructions of the new building for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Presidential Palace, are soon to be completed. China did not only assist in the constructions of our infrastructures, but also donated 3000 tons of rice, during the rice shortage crisis as well as initiating a hybrid rice project striving for increasing its output in the shortest extent possible, with the long term view of exporting once sufficient supply is reached.

Not only we were able to contribute in the political and the diplomatic arenas in support of Timor-Leste, but we also guaranteed 100 % protocol services to the visiting cabinet members and other government officials. In November 2007, we extended a VIP protocol reception to the Minister of Social Solidarity, H.E. Mrs. Maria Domingas Alves, Secretary of State for the Promotion of Equality, H.E. Eng. Idelta Rodrigues and two other women members of Parliament. They were among other important government members received by the Embassy in Beijing in the course of 2007.

We are also proud to document our achievements in facilitating the provision of visa applications from the Chinese applicants as well as running a pilot project on electronic visa issuance utilizing web-based e-mail system designed to expedite the process of grants of visas prior to their arrival in Timor-Leste. Our contribution in the formulation of the consular manual is also an achievement worth mentioning.

Furthermore, we did not only concentrate on our core activities in the political, diplomatic, consular and protocol fields, we take the initiative to seek for more Chinese investments to our country to contribute to its economic advancement. In line with that initiative, we facilitated visits by Chinese investors to Timor-Leste to present their business proposals and undertake consultations with the line ministers in the areas of integrated agricultural development, compact economic development and tobacco. To add more weight to our initiative, Timor-Leste and China were expected to sign a Preferential Tariff by early next year, 2008, which throws open the Chinese markets for imports of a number of Timor-Leste’s goods into China with nil tax.

Timor-Leste's Ambassador to ChinaAmbassador Olímpio Branco

OUR PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR �

In order to advance the economic development of Timor-Leste, the country, not only requires investments, but also qualified human resources. Therefore, we initiated contacts with the Education Forum for Asia and the Ministry of Education of China to award numerous scholarships to Timorese students to continue their university studies, with Fundação Macau provided more scholarships.

Moreover, Timor-Leste requires cooperation with other countries to benefit from their assistance, knowledge and experience. China has such experience in which our country can capitalize. To facilitate that initiative, the Chinese government established the Forum of Macau to serve as a platform for cooperation amongst the Portuguese Speaking Countries and China. The Forum facilitates frequent activities ranging from trainings, colloquies, seminars, symposiums, etc. along with the Ministry of Commerce of China culminating in more than 100 Timorese government officials’ and private sector’s participations.

Timor-Leste is a small island state in the Asia Pacific Region whose geographical position is distant from China. Many Chinese are yet to know Timor-Leste. Therefore, it was essential that promotional efforts be conducted to highlight its existence in China. To achieve this objective, the Embassy participated successfully in two international tourism expositions, i.e. Beijing International Tourism Expo 2007 and Nanchang International Eco-Tourism Expo. Not only that, we furthermore organized a photo exhibition as well as a function to commemorate the 5th Year Anniversary of our Diplomatic Relations with China and the Independence Day of Timor-Leste. In total, Timor-Leste received coverage from, at least, 150 media outlets throughout China and beyond. Many Chinese have come to know that Timor-Leste is no longer in Africa, but is closer to the Island of Paradise, Bali. Additonally, relating to and in the course of 2007, the Embassy produced and printed 14 items concerning, first and foremost, highlighting Timor-Leste and its potential for development.

Our country requires consistent efforts in further promoting its competitive advantages and the Embassy saw an opportune moment ahead, and recommended to the government that Timor-Leste participate in the World Expo 2010 to be held in Shanghai, China from May 1 – October 31, 2010.

In addition to executing our core activities in the Embassy, the initiative was taken to assist our government in procuring medals for the former combatants resulting in substantial savings for the country.

In defending the interest of the Timorese abroad, we facilitated a Timorese company in meeting its business counterparts for business opportunities.

In executing our programs, we have responsibly expensed and accounted for our six months’ transitional budget as at 31 December 2007. For that we are proud to note that all the monies were fully exhausted in line with the Embassy’s programs.

Our vision and mission for 2008 are that resilient and closer as well as reciprocally beneficial bilateral relations with China are bolstered. We thus encourage more Chinese visitors and investors to Timor-Leste to contribute meaningfully to the economic growth of the country.

Ultimately, I, personally wish to acknowledge that all these achievements would not have been possible, had it not been for the contribution of everyone involved, either directly or indirectly, the government of Timor-Leste and China as well as all the staff at Timor-Leste Embassy in Beijing, who immeasurably put in a lot of efforts to guarantee that the Embassy’s programs came to fruition.

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As the first person to be nominated as the Embassy’s first Counsellor in November 2005, I am proud to underscore that 2007 has been the most significant contribution from our part to Timor-Leste. We have been able to guarantee a consistent and constant positive image of Timor-Leste and its untapped resources for development. It is worth mentioning that our country receives constant attention in China through TVs and Radios. The people of China hold great affection towards us.

I have the honour to directly oversee the participation of Timor-Leste in two international tourism expositions in China. I thank Dr. Tony Duarte for his hard work and patience to be able to implement all the Embassy’s projects successfully. Through these world-class events, we are trying attract Chinese outbound tourists and investors. China has granted ninety five (95) countries as its government approved destinations, including two of our closest neighbours, Indonesia and Australia. Approved Destination Status is a bilateral agreement on tourism, which allows the destination country to open a tourist office in China, market to Chinese tourists and organize group leisure tours of minimum five (5) people including a tour leader. In the meantime, the destination tourist authority must provide a list of approved tour operators that can handle land arrangements for these groups. Preliminary efforts are underway to ensure that Timor-Leste tourism operators are ready before the agreement can be concluded.

In terms of investments to Timor-Leste, we managed to bring several groups of potential Chinese investors to Díli to undertake preliminary consultations with the relevant government authorities for investments in establishing border trading zones, commercial centres, airport and sea ports, bank, piggeries, cultural troupe and small industries processing centres, water reservoir, irrigation, animal husbandry, vegetation, flowers and agro-culture. The total proposed investment is worth over USD$100,000,000.00 (one hundred million American dollars).

Personally, it has been an extraordinary experience for me to be in Beijing during the last two years. I feel privileged to share the exciting time there. With China's economy in overdrive and the city undergoing a dramatic transformation in the lead-up to the Olympics, I am amazed to see how China organizes herself in all aspects. On the other hand, I miraculously survived a health ordeal. I owe my life to the doctors and the nurses in Beijing Union College Hospital and I would like to thank the support of Ambassador Olímpio Branco, Ms. Margarida Wang, Mr. Xu Qiu Yan and Mrs. Wang who tirelessly nurtured me day and night; my family and many of you, who gave me love and the moral encouragement during the time. I am sorry to have given you the fright. December 31, 2007 marks the end of my assignment in China, higher and different expectations await me in Timor-Leste. Additionally, this report will not only serve as a record of our success in 2007, but also act as a handover note to whoever is to continue nurturing the foundation of Timor-Leste in China.

I thank H.E. Ambassador Olímpio Miranda Branco for his guidance and all the staff at the Embassy for their contribution.

End of Assignment Remarks

Dra. Vicky Tchong Counsellor


It has been my outstanding experience in being able to contribute considerably through all the project activities initiated by the Embassy. Through such avenues, I have been able to express the potentials that I have as a Timorese. My special thanks to Dra. Vicky Tchong for her advice on implementations of projects under my responsibility. My achievements have been made possible due to the clear guidelines, program specifications, and clear cut areas of responsibility coupled with the ample resources made available.

I have had working experience with the United Nations, International Financial Institutions, International NGO as well as the with the government of Timor-Leste in Dili, however, the experience working at Timor-Leste Embassy in Beijing is something that I would not have been able to acquire, if not to the strong and invaluable contribution of Dra. Vicky Tchong, and the leadership of H.E. Ambassador Olímpio Branco, who demonstrated his strong goodwill to ensure that the projects under my responsibility were concluded successfully.

Time and again, much has been said about Timor-Leste, that it is a South East Asian country wobbling with unrelenting turmoil owing to existing differences unsettled through amicable mechanisms. This has not deterred my spirit to be able to foresee that Timor-Leste received much needed positive exposure through the programs implemented. I have the pleasure to be able to take upon my shoulders the responsibility of organizing international tourism expositions, in which dedication, hard work, agility and creativity play a major role in countering all the frequent negative publicities about our country.

I have the honour to express my personal proud of being able to work with a former Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, presently as the Ambassador of Timor-Leste in Beijing, and the newly-installed Secretary General, who was once, Counsellor of the Embassy of Timor-Leste in Beijing, entrusted with the colossal responsibilities of managing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Timor-Leste, gateway of the outside world to the Land of the Rising Sun, Timor Loro-Sa’e.

No words can describe the feelings of pride to be able to serve my own country with dignity replete with accomplishments. "A Seed of Tomorrow is Cast Today"

Appreciation Remarks

Dr. Felizberto (Tony) de Araújo DuarteProject Coordinator


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY & MESSAGE 1

END OF ASSIGNMENT REMARKS 3

APPRECIATION REMARKS 4

TABLE OF CONTENTS 5

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 7

ACRONYMS 8

1 PERFORMANCE REPORTING 9

1.1 Political and Diplomatic Relations/Activities 91.1.1 Pol i t ica l Relat ions 91.1.1.1 Planned Visit of the President of RDTL 91.1.1.2 Beijing International Olympic Games 91.1.1.3 Plan Visit of Foreign Minister of PRC 91.1.1.4 Honorary Consulates General 9

1.1.2 Diplomatic Relations 91.1.2.1 Major Construction Projects 91.1.2.2 Rice Distribution 91.1.2.3 Hybrid Rice Project 101.1.2.4 Community School Project 10

1.2 Protocol Assistance to Timor-Leste Government Officials 10

1.3 Consular Services 13

1.4 Investment Proposals and Meetings 14

1.5 Scholarships, Trainings of Timorese Nationals in China 181.5.1 Forum of Macau 181.5.1.1 Objective of Forum of Macau 181.5.1.2 Member Countries 181.5.1.3 Timor-Leste Permanent Representative at Forum of Macau 18

1.5.2 Training of Timorese Nationals in China 181.5.3 Scholarships 241.5.3.1 Education Forum for Asia – Building Bridges for Asian Education 24

Table of Contents

1.6 Tourism Promotions 251.6 .1 B e i j ing Inte rnat iona l Tour i sm Expo (B ITE 2007) 251.6.1.1 Approved Destination Status (ADS) Scheme 251.6.1.2 Promotional Materials 261.6.1.3 Expo Days 261.6.1.4 Budget and Expenses 271.6.1.5 Participation Report 281.6.1.6 Lessons Learned 28

1.6.2 Nanchang International Eco-Tourism Expo 2007 281.6.2.1 Promotional Materials 281.6.2.2 Expo Days 291.6.2.3 Budget and Expenses 291.6.2.4 Participation Report 301.6.2.5 Lessons Learned 30

1.7 Anniversary Celebration of Diplomatic Relations and Independence Day of Timor-Leste 2007, China 31

1.8 Promoting Timor-Leste through Media 36

1.9 Embassy’s Major Prints and Publication Works 37

1.10 Summary of Transitional Budget of the Embassy 381.10.1 1 July ~ 31 December 2007 38

1.11 Ancillary Activities 391.11.1 Procurement Support – Medals 391.11.1.1 First Company 391.11.1.2 Second Company 391.11.1.3 Third Company 39

1.11.2 Facilitate Timorese Company (Rice Procurement) 401.11.3 Shanghai World Expo 2010 401.11.4 Friendship Sports Activity with the Foreign Ministry of PRC Tennis Club 401.11.5 Tourism, Culture and Education Forum in Jilin Province 411.11.6 Cultural Familiarisation in China and Other Activities 41

2 ASSETS OF THE EMBASSY 43

3 FORWARD LOOKING INTO 2008 43

4 REFERENCE LIST 43

5 APPENDICES 445.1 List of Assets of Timor-Leste Embassy in Beijing 44

6 2007 PERSONNEL AT TIMOR-LESTE EMBASSY, BEIJING 45


The Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste in Beijing, China expresses its sincere gratitude to the following for their assistance and contribution to the successful implementation of its participation at BITE 2007, Nanchang International Eco-Tourism Expo 2007, and the Anniversary Celebration of Five Years of Diplomatic Relations & the Independence Day of Timor-Leste in China as well as all the Embassy’s activities throughout 2007.

Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, Beijing, China

H.E. Dr. Olímpio Miranda Branco, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Dra. Vicky Tchong, Counsellor Dr. Felizberto (Tony) de Araújo Duarte, Project Coordinator Ms. Margarida Wang, Secretary Mr. Xing Bi Guo (Toby), Administration Assistant Mr. Xu Qiu Wan, Driver and Logistics

Private, Public Sector Organizations, Tourism Stakeholders and Individuals All Timor-Leste Government Institutions Involved All Chinese Government Institutions Involved Chinese Embassy Díli, Timor-Leste Ms. Elda Ferreira, General Responsible of Central Archive, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Timor-Leste Mr. Almério do Carmo Vieira, Public Relations Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Timor-Leste Mr. Fausto de Sousa, Public Relations Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Timor-Leste Dra. Tony Rogers, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Timor-Leste Dr. Tom Hyland, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Timor-Leste Dr. Miguel Lobato, Director, National Tourism Directorate, Ministry of Trade, Commerce and Industry of Timor-Leste Mr. António da Silva, Tourism Promotion Officer, National Tourism Directorate, Ministry of Trade, Commerce and Industry of Timor-Leste Mr. Fernando Savio, RTP International Timor Contacto, Díli, Timor-Leste Mr. Simplicio Soares Pinto, Timorese University Student, Yogyakarta, Indonesia Mr. Artur Branco, Timorese University Student, Yogyakarta, Indonesia Mr. Olavo Miranda Branco, Timorese Computer Science University Student, Hangzhou, China Mr. Hilario dos Reis, Timorese Economics University Student, Beijing, China Mr. Mariano da Cruz Santa, Timorese Tourism Management University Student, Beijing, China Mr. Jónio da Anunciação, Timorese Tourism Management University Student, Beijing, China Mr. Oscar dos Santos, Timorese Resident in Beijing, China Mr. Francisco Alves Miranda Branco Mustafa, Timorese Resident in Beijing, China Mr. Andika Alves Miranda Branco Mustafa, Timorese Resident in Beijing, China Radio and National Television of Timor-Leste (RTTL) Tourism Association of Timor-Leste, Díli, Timor-Leste Vila Harmonia & Timor Village Hotel, Díli, Timor-Leste Eco Discovery, Díli, Timor-Leste Arte Moris – The Living Art, Díli, Timor-Leste World Online Culture Exchange Centre, Beijing, China ASEA Expo, Beijing, China

Acknowledgements

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ADS Approved Destination Status BITE Beijing International Tourism Exposition CPAFFC Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries CPLP Communidade dos Países de Língua Portuguesa/Community of Portuguese Speaking CountriesF-FDTL Falintil - Forças de Defesa de Timor-Leste/Falintil - Defence Forces of Timor-Leste MNE Ministério dos Negócios Estrangeiros (Timor-Leste)/Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Timor-Leste)NGO Non-Governmental Organization PRC People’s Republic of China RAEM Região Administrativa Especial de Macau/Special Administrative Region of Macau RDTL República Democrática de Timor-Leste/Democratic Republic of Timor-LesteRTPI Radio e Televisão de Portugal Internacional/International Portuguese Radio and TelevisionRTTL Radio e Televisão de Timor-Leste/Radio and Television of Timor-Leste

Acronyms


I n t h e ye a r 2 0 0 7 , t h e re wa s a to t a l o f approximately 150 activities attended by the Ambassador Olímpio Branco ranging from official concer ts, meetings of CPLP, Forum of Macau, investment meetings, receptions, working lunches, dinners, Chinese Communist Party Congress, Opening Ceremony of Trainings for Timorese officials, including the protocol assistance for the visiting VIPS and government off icials from Timor-Leste.

1.1 Political and Diplomatic Relations/Activities

1.1.1 Political Relations

1.1.1.1 Planned Visit of the President of RDTL

From 2006 until 2007, efforts have been made to ensure that the state visit of the President could be realized. Contact has been initiated with the Chinese government; however, due to the crisis in April – May 2006 and the Presidential and the Parliamentary elections in 2007, the visit was not realized as previously planned.

1.1.1.2 Beijing International Olympic Games

As the Beijing International Olympic Games is drawing nearer and foreign dignitaries are to be invited to participate at the opening ceremony on August 8, 2008, the National Olympic Games Committee of Timor-Leste headed by Eng. João Carrascalão invited the President and the Foreign Minister of Timor-Leste. Nonetheless, from the Minister of Foreign Affairs, its participation

was not possible due to other impor tant engagements. From the Embassy’s side, plan has been underway to secure the visit of the President on that occasion and a possibility of a state visit concurrently.

1.1.1.3 Plan Visit of Foreign Minister of PRC

The Chinese government has hinted on a visit to Timor-Leste by its Foreign Minister since 2005 when H.E. Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao, who was then President of the Republic of Timor-Leste visited China. This has not materialized due to the circumstances in Timor-Leste. Such a visit needs to be mobilized. In spite of the fact that the then Minister of Foreign Affairs of China could not make it to Timor-Leste, the current Vice Minister of China, H.E. Mr. Wu Da Wei has expressed interest in visiting Timor-Leste in late January 2008.

1.1.1.4 Honorary Consulates General

There was an indication of interest from the government of Timor-Leste to establish several Honorary Consulates General in major cities considered to be the economic powerhouses of China. It was suggested that a Consulate General be established in Macau with the subsequent Honorary Consulate General offices in Shanghai, Kunming and Hangzhou.

1.1.2 Diplomatic Relations

1.1.2.1 Major Construction Projects

The government o f PRC has a l located a substantial amount of money to construct and build the new office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of RDTL in Marconi, which is expected to be completed soon. Meanwhile, construction of the Presidential Palace has been in full force, in Heliport and is expected to be completed in 2008.

1.1.2.2 Rice Distribution In early 2007, Timor-Leste suffered rice shortage in which the government of China happily donated 3000 tons of rice to supplement the dwindling supply of rice in Timor-Leste, which included cooking oil and beans.

1 Performance Reporting


New Buildings of MNE

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1.1.2.3 Hybrid Rice Project

In partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Timor-Leste, the Chinese government has launched a pilot project on hybrid rice in Timor-Leste aimed at trialling the success rate of such undertakings in order to improve and increase the production of rice with the longer term view of exports once sufficient supply is achieved. The Hybrid rice project was aimed at yielding more in a shorter period so that production output can be increased.

1.1.2.4 Community School Project

Under the framework of cooperation with the Forum of Macau, the Chinese government is funding the Ministry of Education of Timor-Leste

to identify and build a community school.

1.2 Protocol Assistance to Timor-Leste Government Off icials

All the requested protocol assistance for the visiting VIPs from Timor-Leste government has been given priority attention. The Embassy achieved 100% in this regard. In 2007, the Embassy provided the following protocol assistance to the following government officials from Timor-Leste:

a) In January 2007, the Embassy provided transit protocol assistance at the Hong Kong International Airport for the former Prime Minister of Timor-Leste. Dr. Mari Bim Amude Alkatiri and his delegation, on their way to Cebu, Manila, the Philippines.

b) Visit of the former Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Timor-Leste, Dra. Adaljiza Magno & Major Calistro (Koliati) of the F-FDTL, who participated the Conference in Beijing on Multidimentional and Integrated Peace Operations: Trends and Challenges.

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d) Visit of former Vice Minister of Education, Dr. Victor Soares on a UN-sponsored Conference in Beijing.

c) Visit of the Minister of Social Solidarity, H.E. Mrs. Maria Domingas Alves, Secretary of State for the Promotion and Equality, H.E. Eng. Idelta Rodrigues, Fretilin Member of Parliament, Mrs. Ilda da Conceição, and Democratic Party Member of Parliament, Dra. Gertrudes Moniz, attending the 5th Asian Women Parliamentarians’ and Ministers’ Conference in Beijing held from 21 – 28 November 2007.

Tiananmen Square

Great WallGreat WallGreat Wall

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e)Transit protocol assistance to Dr. Constancio Pinto, Minister Counsellor/Charge d’affaires, Timor-Leste Embassy in Washington.


1.3 Consular Services

The consular section of the Embassy successfully facilitated a total of thirty applications requesting entry visa to Timor-Leste from the Chinese. Visa issuance encompassed working visas, business visas and tourist visas with only three requests for renewal of passports from Timorese students presently studying in China. The services provided were free of charge and no decision has been taken to commence imposing emoluments into the foreseeable future.

The Embassy provided substantial input into the formulation of the consular manual and ran pilot project on electronic visa issuance for Chinese visa applicants through networking with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, DAC/MNE to issue visa electronically utilizing the web-based email. This has substantially reduced the waiting time for document to be couriered via DHL, which was costly and time- consuming. All thirty applicants were promptly informed of the visa grant.

f ) Protocol assistance to Dr. Domingos Sousa, Director General of the Ministry of Education with Dr. Miguel Maia attending Conferences on Education in Beijing. Photos of 2006&2007

Fidel RamosFidel Ramos


b) Compact Economic Development Project, including border trading zones, commercial centres, airport and sea ports, bank, piggeries, cultural troupe and small industries processing centres.

1.4 Investment Proposals and Meetings

The Embassy facilitated investment trips to Timor-Leste to undertake consultations with the government of Timor-Leste in the areas of:

a) Integrated Agricultural Development Project, including water reservoir, irrigation, animal husbandry, vegetation, flowers and agro-culture.

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c) A consortium proposing alternative power utilizing the CTM (multipurpose mobile phone with walkie talkie capability) and supermarket selling building materials.

d) Tobacco investor, with standard certification from the Chinese government.


e) Ambassador Olimpio Branco met with Potential Investor to Timor-Leste, Mr. Li Ruo Hong, Vice Chairman of Beijing Association of Enterprises with Foreign Investment.


f ) Dra. Vicy Tchong travelled to Guangzhou Province to meet with Mr. Li Shi Zing, an investor interested to invest in hotels.

g) The Embassy itself has been working closely with the Chinese government to advance on the Special Preferential Tariff for Timor-Leste’s goods to enter the Chinese markets with nil tariffs.

It is worth noting that these Chinese investors proposing their investments into Timor-Leste have had substantial amount of investment capitals set aside for their specific investment objectives. Their trips to Timor-Leste were to seek interest to take up their proposal and to negotiate the investment modules. However, Timor-Leste is still in the process of formulating its national strategic plan with friendlier investment policies to be established in the near future. Feedback received from the Chinese investors visited Timor-Leste was that exhaustive and lengthy exercise needed to be taken to seek approval and identify areas to establish their business. In addition, one minor, but essential requirement of our national policy currently implemented is that foreign investors need to have their business registered and operated out of Dili and often times it was difficult to locate rental market for office space and the unresolved problem with regard to land tenure.


1.5 Scholarships, Trainings of Timorese Nationals in China

Under the bilateral cooperation with the People’s Republic of China and the multilateral cooperation under the Forum of Macau, various Timorese government officials, private sectors and individuals have been trained in China benefiting from the extensive experience of the Chinese in various industry sectors, which will be of enormous benefit to the people of Timor-Leste. More than 100 Timorese gained from the programs.

1.5.1 Forum of Macau

1.5.1.1 Objective of Forum of Macau

A mechanism of establishing cooperation with no political intent, in which the principle theme is cooperation and the economic development whilst having the objective of strengthening cooperation and trade between China and the Portuguese Speaking Countries – utilizing the role of Macau as the platform for such promotion. In addition, Forum of Macau serves as a space for prominent figures in the business sector of the Portuguese Speaking Countries to exchange views on strengthening the cooperation in the areas of commerce and investments. The Forum plays a major role in acting as a conduit for communication amongst the member countries.

1.5.1.2 Member Countries

Membership of the forum extends to only countries with Portuguese as the official language, among others Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, Portugal, Timor-Leste and the People’s Republic of China (Macau – RAEM). Timor-Leste being the last member to join the organization, has benefited substantially from the Forum in terms of the facilities provided to Timor-Leste government officials to participate in meetings, conferences, symposiums coloquies, etc.

1.5.1.3 Timor-Leste’s Delegate at Forum of Macau

Upon Timor-Leste attaining its independence in May 20, 2002 and its subsequent accession to the Forum of Macau, Timor-Leste has, as its first Permanent Representative to the Forum, Mr. António Veladas, who completed his term of office of one year in June 2007. Whilst the Forum was deliberating upon the articles governing its functions, towards the end of 2007, there needs to be a nomination of the new delegate of Timor-Leste to the Forum.

1.5.2 Training of Timorese Nationals in China

In the course of one year, more than 100 Timorese government officials, those in their private capacities and the staff of the NGOs have attended courses, trainings, seminars, colloquies, symposiums and study tours in cities throughout China. Many have expressed the relevance of these programs in line with their expectations and background of responsibilities assumed in Timor-Leste.


Timorese Medical Doctors' and Nurses' Achivements in China


Dr. Loro Horta and Dra. Veneranda (Nini) Lemos, attending studies at the Chinese Defence College. Numerous F-FDTL members have benefited substantially from this institution


Timorese Officials from the Ministry of Development paid a visit to the Embassy after the conference

Timorese Government Officials on Economic Development Seminar in China


Timor-Leste Officials from the Ministry of Tourism, Commerce and Industry visited the Embassy after attending a conference in Beijing

Timorese Government Officials on Economic Administration Colloquial in Macau


Tourism Management and Development Seminar for Asian Countries in Beijing with Mr. António da Silva sitting in the last row (red tie)

Timor-Leste Government Officials on Forestry Seminar in Beijing


1.5.3 Scholarships

A number of Timorese students presently studying in China have been awarded scholarships by the Chinese government to continue their studies at either undergraduate or master degree level. From the data that the Embassy has, there are six students undertaking undergraduate studies in mainland China majoring in Tourism Management, Computer Science, Medical Science, Economics, with one Engineering student studying at master degree level.

1.5.3.1 Education Forum for Asia – Building Bridges for Asian Education

The Education Forum for Asia, with its Secretariat in Beijing, China was established with the vision of promoting a more relevant, dynamic, higher quality education in Asia. It is targeting at improving the access to basic education and educational opportunities for disadvantaged children and various communities across the region. There were two scholarships offered to Timor-Leste students in 2007, in which the Embassy managed to arrange a fully paid scholarship for one East Timorese student to study in Macau majoring in Civil Engineering, but the offer was turned down by the student who opted to continue his studies in Indonesia instead. In the meantime, another student was offered a place to study Chinese in Beijing for one year; nevertheless, the offer was also not taken.

For 2008, three Chinese government scholarships have been allocated to Timorese students to apply for Postgraduate, Undergraduate, and Bridging Courses prior to studying at the University level. The application forms are obtainable from the Chinese Embassy in Dili, Timor-Leste.


1.6 Tourism Promotions

In less than a year, Timor-Leste Embassy in Beijing successfully participated in two world class expositions on tourism promoting Timor-Leste and its potential for development. The primary aim was not only to promote Timor-Leste for tourists, but also to attract investments into various other sectors in need of development, where rigorous foreign direct investments are of major importance, such as agriculture, oil, fishery, financial institutions, and major road and port constructions and others.

In terms of tourism, ecological tourism is the market segment in which Timor-Leste is poised to capitalize on, lacking only the necessary infrastructure, in which the government must take into consideration in further developing Timor-Leste’s tourism sector in the future.

1.6.1 Beijing International Tourism Expo (BITE 2007)

Timor-Leste’s participation in BITE 2007 was prepared three months in advance prior to the d-day in June 2007. For that specific aim, the Embassy contracted Dr. Tony Duarte for an initial six months contract to be responsible for the development of a comprehensive Project Document as well as its implementation in close coordination with the Ambassador Olímpio Miranda Branco and the Counsellor of the Embassy, Dra. Vicky Tchong. Through BITE 2007, the Embassy promoted Timor-Leste as an eco-tourism destination, investment potentials as well as familiarizing the country itself to the Chinese people.

BITE 2007 was held from 21 – 23 June. BITE itself is an annual event and the only official dedicated marketplace in which global and local tourism professionals converge linking the Chinese booming tourism industry to the rest of the world. Recent studies indicated that by 2020, an aggregate number of 100 million Chinese will undertake overseas travel – making it the most attractive and lucrative tourism market segment.

BITE 2007, has, for the first time, became an eye-opening experience attesting to the fact that most Chinese were still unaware of the existence of Timor-Leste and its place in the world geographical map. Chinese visitors assumed that Timor-Leste was part of the African continent, despite the fact that they knew about Indonesia, specifically Bali, the Island of Paradise, where Timor-Leste is only one and a half hour flight away from Ngurah Rai Airport.

1.6.1.1 Approved Destination Status (ADS) Scheme

Early assumptions were that Timor-Leste was able to accede, as early as the end of 2007, to the ADS scheme, which is administered by the Tourism Department of the government of China. ADS is a bilateral tourism arrangement between the Chinese Government and a foreign destination in which the Chinese tourists are permitted to undertake leisure travel in groups to a particular country. According to figures released by the National Bureau of Statistics of China, in 2005, there were 81 countries and regions that are in the ADS system. By the end of 2007, 95 countries and regions have joined ADS.


Owing to the lack of resources from the Timorese tourism operators, who still need further Timorese government investments in tourism sector to be able to meet the rigorous requirements imposed by the ADS scheme. The Embassy can only assist and initiate the initial talks with the Chinese government. All the groundwork will need to be established by the Timorese tourism operators to meet the benchmark.

1.6.1.2 Promotional Materials

The Embassy achieved in marketing Timor-Leste facilitated with promotional materials produced, a portion of the proud achievement of the Embassy, along with the Turismo de Timor-Leste brochures donated by the Department of Tourism of Timor-Leste:

* 3000 bags bearing the logo “five years of independence”

* 3000 copies of book entitled “Passages to Timor-Leste” , which had been previously printed exclusive of BITE 2007 budget.

* 3000 copies of Exhibitors’ profile in the form of booklet giving prominence to the tourism packages of Mega Tours, Eco Discovery, Timor-Village Hotel – Viqueque, FreeFlow, Hotel Dili, Golden Star Restaurant and Arte Moris.

* 3000 CDs entitled “Discover the World’s Newest Nation”

* 980 brochures entitled “Turismo de Timor-Leste

In addition, Ms. Ann Turner, following a meeting with members of Tourism Association of Timor-Leste, brought along hundreds of copies of individual promotional materials on hotels, restaurants, car rentals, tour operators, to name just a few, for distribution during the three days expo. By the third day, which was the final day of the Expo, only 100 copies of the bags, 20 books, 10 CDs and 5 exhibitor’s profile remained. The rest were successfully distributed. Timor-Leste’s participation in this event attracted numerous national and international media coverage, including two special editions of TV programs, each developed by the TVTL and RTP International Timor Contacto.

1.6.1.3 Expo Days

In the course of three days, the number of trade visitors attending the event was 24,500 and 164 hosted buyers with 729 exhibiting organizations and 1,817 booth personnel. Capitalizing on that, the Embassy countered the consistent negative images portrayed on mass media about Timor-Leste. It was the perception of most Chinese visitors, at the pavilion, that Timor-Leste was still a security risk country and to be avoided in their overseas travelling. Also, taking on the opportunity of the visiting media, namely, televisions, radios, magazines, newspapers, online portals, private individuals as well as businesses, the Embassy repositioned Timor-Leste in a more informed circumstances alluding to the fact that the country, has, of course, had a stagnant democratic transition to a stronger and stable nation, for a brief period of time and argued against their misperception of Timor-Leste. The Embassy underscored to them that Timor-Leste has enjoyed substantial development in the course of five years of its statehood and has seen substantial number of foreign investments from countries like, Indonesia, Australia, Portugal, Singapore, China, the United States of America and others. Unlike other oil resource blessed countries, Timor-Leste has not fallen into a resource curse yet. Successive governments have put in place, constitutional mechanism to guarantee that the future generations of Timor-Leste reap the fruit of independence to the fullest and that everyone is afforded the broadest possible of opportunities that life can possibly allow with the abundant resources that Timor-Leste has.

A notable presence of mainly younger generation of East Timorese promoting Timor-Leste can be seen in the pictures. Because the future of the country rests upon the shoulder of its youth, who will, one day, encapsulate their overseas experience amassed for the benefit of the nation-building of their country, upon the completion of their studies and courses in China, the Embassy seized the opportunity to involve them in BITE 2007.


1.6.1.4 Budget and Expenses

For a modest participation of Timor-Leste in BITE 2007, utilizing only the standard booth, making use of the photos of nature’s attraction of Timor-Leste, the Embassy disbursed USD$15,018.18, more than its predicted total budget of USD$15,000.00 in line with the Project Document developed. The registration to participate in BITE 2007 is 33% (USD$5,040) higher, followed by paper bag production, which stood at 16 % (USD$2,400), with the translations services costing only 1% (USD$164.31).

$680.27

$164.31

$575.00

$1,891.95

$966.60

$1,200.00

$2,400.00

$300.00

$1,800.00

$5,040.00

Bar Chart

Pie Chart

33%

12%

2%

16%

8%

6%13%

4%

1%

5%26%

Registration

Aluminum Material Rental

42 Plasma TV Rental

Paper Bag

Brochure

Tax

3000 CDs

Design Consulting of Pictures &BagsTranslation Services

Miscellaneous


1.6.1.5 Participation Report

As the conclusion of Timor-Leste’s participation in BITE 2007, a Participation Report was written to summarize its findings, and best of all, its lessons learned. Two hundred copies of the Participation Report were printed and distributed to all interested parties at home and abroad for their information.

1.6.1.6 Lessons Learned

From the Embassy’s active participation at BITE 2007, several lessons learned were derived, namely:

* From the outset, the involvement of Timorese tourism operators is essential due to the fact that they are the ultimate point of contacts for business and serve as the extension of inadvertently marketing Timor-Leste whilst selling their tourism packages.

* Effective utilization of resources available in-country with the tourism department of Timor-Leste. The Embassy in Beijing has been able to tap into that potential evidenced by the participation of Mr. Antonio da Silva, the Tourism Promotion Officer of that department, whose invaluable knowledge contributed to the success of this Expo. Frequent email exchanges with Mr. Antonio da Silva, after the Expo, have proven to be resourceful in preparing for similar Expos.

* Detailed project contract with potential executing agencies will safeguard against potential non-delivery.

* All promotional materials must be available in languages understood by the target market.

* Cultural performance is always the best option of getting that attention coveted for profound and lasting memories of visitors about Timor-Leste. Faces and names are easily forgotten, but that particular traditional dance tebe will leave a lasting imprint.

1.6.2 Nanchang International Eco-Tourism Expo 2007

Based upon the Embassy’s huge success in promoting Timor-Leste through BITE 2007, further initiative to aggressively market as well as familiarize Timor-Leste to the Chinese people in other similar international tourism events were taken. As usual, early preparatory efforts were paramount in successfully achieving the intended objective, that was further familiarisation of Timor-Leste to the Chinese people and whilst at the same time promoting local Timorese tourism operators. Approximately, three months of intensive preparation was consumed prior to the launch date.

Nanchang International Eco-Tourism Expo 2007 was the second international tourism related Expo that Timor-Leste participated under the initiative of the Embassy of Timor-Leste in Beijing. The event was held from 21 – 23 October 2007 in Nanchang, Jiangxi Province. Specifically for the event, the Embassy contracted to purchase photos from Timor-Leste Photographic Association as part of its capacity development initiative in assisting local Timorese talents to develop. Images obtained were tailored to suite the event encompassing the cultures, traditions, beautiful landscapes and the people. In order

to ostentatiously express all these, which were still profoundly maintained in the countryside of Timor-Leste, a Timorese Traditional House was built utilizing similar materials that could be found in China. Due to geographical distances and the exorbitant cost of transportation, construction materials and ornaments for traditional house were not imported from Timor-Leste.

1.6.2.1 Promotional Materials

For an up-to-date information on tourism Timor-Leste, the Embassy produced new promotional materials as wel l as copies of Passage to Timor-Leste and Kaibauk in Silver and Gold-colored, which have already been made prior to the formulation of the project document for Nanchang, exclusive of its budget, for distribution during the Expo:

* 1500 copies of book entitled “Passage to Timor-Leste”

* 2000 copies of Exhibitors’ Profile, “Welcome to Timor-Leste” highlighting the packages offered by Loihunu – Timor-Village Hotel, Eco Discovery and FreeFlow* 1500 CDs entitled ”Discover the World’s Newest Nation”* 400 Kaibauk, Silver-colored* 400 Kaibauk, Gold-colored

This time, the Embassy selected three Timorese operators selling their tourism products in line with the theme of the Expo - eco-tourism. In the course of the three days, all the promotional materials were distributed, with no single copy left.


In order to further contribute to the capacity building of the younger generation of Timor-Leste, the Embassy took the initiative to engage two East Timorese students presently studying in China to give them the opportunity of exposure.

During the three days event, similar to the experience gathered at BITE 2007, questions regarding security situation in Timor-Leste surfaced in numerous discussions from the visitors to the pavilion. From all the appointments scheduled, the Embassy took note of the interest of the Mongol Altai Tour who showed great interest in establishing an outbound tour for rich Mongolians, who would prefer to visit, pristine, untouched scenes in Timor-Leste. Meanwhile, Mr. Mariano da Cruz Santa, a Timorese University Student studying Tourism Management had the opportunity to be interviewed by the local TV on issues about Timor-Leste and its people, whilst Ambassador Olímpio Branco met with a delegation from the International Eco-Safety Cooperative Organization, with a demonstrable interest for an in-depth discussion about Timor-Leste at the Embassy in Beijing.

1.6.2.3 Budget and Expenses From the Embassy’s experience garnered during its participation in BITE 2007, cost-efficient methods were sustained with the cost of participating in the event was much lower in comparison to that of BITE 2007. The design cost was substantially reduced while the quality of the materials produced was of higher quality.

1.6.2.2 Expo Days

The commencement of the Expo was marked by the traditional marshal arts group followed by the opening speech of all the dignitaries present. Ambassador Olímpio Branco had the honour to deliver a key note speech. The representative from the government of China was the Deputy Mayor of Nanchang with a number of Chinese provincial government representatives, CEOs of major companies as well as foreign Embassies accredited to China.


The financial figures as shown by the graph indicated that the booth construction topped the list of expenditure, followed by the production of 3000 copies of CDs about Timor-Leste and the participation fee and report.

1.6.2.4 Participation Report A Participation Report was drawn up at the conclusion of the Expo to summarize its findings and the lessons learned. 300 copies of the report were printed and distributed to all interested parties in Timor-Leste and overseas for information purposes.

1.6.2.5 Lessons Learned Several valuable lessons learned arose from the three-day event:

* Future similar project will need to consider the involvement of a greater number of Timorese operators aimed at enhancing their capacities, exposure and networks with overseas markets. Future participation should see the participation of more Timorese tourism operators.

* With the recent announcement by the present government of an allocation of up to fifteen million US dollars for the development of the Timor-Leste tourism sector, there should be a mechanism in place with Timor-Leste’s Directorate of Tourism to coordinate with Timorese Embassies for effective resource utilization.

* Specifically in the case of China, there is a tendency for companies to provide verbal quotations. Projects are sought without a comprehensive written quote or contract. It is recommended that every contract be written with a detailed quote obtained beforehand.

* In preparing materials for distribution, it is imperative to have the materials translated into the local language and the pavilion manned by staff who are fully conversant in the local language.

* To make our presence more noticeable, a cultural performance is highly recommended. It will demonstrate quite vividly Timorese culture and traditions. In order to realize such a dream, a national cultural troupe is required. With the establishment of a Secretary of State for Culture, fully dedicated to the promotion of Timorese culture, such a dream is now possible given the fact that numerous cultural groups in Timor-Leste have already existed long before 1999 requiring only strong commitment of our government to re-engage them.

* There need to be a better understanding of the market segmentation of the tourism sector in countries in which Timor-Leste is going to participate to obtain optimum results.

* Segregation of duties is of paramount essence in ensuring that volunteers do not undertake duties not confined to their areas of responsibilities; this is aimed at ensuring that the flow of information received by the visitors and investors alike is factual, relevant and consistent, devoid of any misunderstanding.


1.7 Anniversary Celebration of Diplomatic Relations and Independence Day of Timor-Leste 2007, China

Timor-Leste officially established diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China on May 20, 2002; the same day the world officially acknowledged Timor-Leste as a free, independent and sovereign country. It was the first diplomatic recognition of Timor-Leste by a foreign country. Following the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, on December 4, 2004, Timor-Leste officially opened its Embassy in Beijing, with H.E. Dr. Olímpio Miranda Branco as the first Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary from October 2005.

Relations between Timor-Leste and China have been friendly in terms of bilateral and multilateral cooperation in which the Chinese government has been very generous in providing much needed development assistance to Timor-Leste. To honour such a strong bond existed between the two countries, the Embassy of Timor-Leste in Beijing took the opportunity to commemorate the anniversary of five years of diplomatic relations between Timor-Leste and China and the thirty second anniversary of the declaration of independence of Timor-Leste.

In order to realize such a dream, efforts were under taken and the Embassy opened up contacts with the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) to jointly carry out the plan. Most foreign Embassies, upon holding the anniversary of diplomatic relations rarely realized photo exhibitions. Even if conducted, they were done in separate occasions. In the case of Timor-Leste’s diplomatic relations, the Embassy mounted a photo exhibitions with photos obtained from the Archive of the Embassy itself, the Timor-Leste Photographic Association,

the Chinese Embassy in Dili and the Public of Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dili. The Embassy commission the production of 200 copies of Photo Albums for distribution and 1000 copies of Flag Pins of Timor-Leste and China. It was agreed with the CPAFFC that the Embassy of Timor-Leste was to be responsible for the photo exhibition; whereas the Association was to be in charge of the venue and the catering. To add more Timorese flavour to the menu, Ms. Elda Ferreira demonstrated her extraordinary expertise in preparing the traditional cuisine from Timor-Leste, Tukir, which was cherished by most guests.

The event was expected to be held on 28 November 2007 coinciding with Independence Day of Timor-Leste; nonetheless, it was not possible due to other commitments of the Embassies of the Portuguese Speaking Countries in Beijing. It was then postponed to 30 November 2007. The event was splendidly and orderly organized until its conclusion. The number of attendance reaching 90% from the 350 guests invited. Among the dignitaries attended were seven VIPs namely:

* H.E. Mr. Li Hui, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, PRC

* H.E. Mr Feng Zuoku, Vice President of CPAFFC

* Major General Lu Guozhong, Political Commissar of College of Defence Study, National Defence University

* H.E. Mr Thomas TSO, Director of Beijing Office, the Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Madam TSO

* H.E. Mr. Wu Beiming, Director of Beijing Office, The Government of Macao Special Administrative Region

* H.E. Wang Zhen, Vice President of Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs

Along with the Foreign Embassies accredited to China, the Chinese Government Officials and Officials from Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Commerce of China, Representatives of Macau

and Hong Kong in Beijing, the United Nations Agencies, National and Foreign Organizations, the Media; Chinese Radio, Newspaper and CCTV, China TV1 aired a-50-second highlight on the event, the Xinhua News Agency, the Portuguese News Agency, Agência Lusa and Timorese students in Beijing. Also marking their presence in the event were Timorese Government Officials attending a seminar in China. Last but not least, the investors who have invested in Timor-Leste and those who have undertaken preliminary talks at the Embassy and with Timor-Leste cabinet members in Dili concerning investment potentials to Timor-Leste.

From the Foreign Embassies accredited to China, all Portuguese Speaking Countries attended as well as all ASEAN Member States, except the Embassy of Myanmar. Also, there was no one from the Embassy of Australia was to be seen. The Embassy took note of the outstanding presence of Arab Countries and countries from the Middle East as well as noted the immense cordial exchanges and interest about Timor-Leste from the Ambassador of Israel to China, H.E. Mr. Amos Nadai.

In the event, the Embassy also handed out the following promotional materials about Timor-Leste to each departing guests.

* Photo Album

* Passage to Timor-Leste

* Welcome to Timor-Leste

* Kaibauk Silver-Colored

* Timor-Leste and Chinese Flag Pin

* CD Welcome to Timor-Leste

* Plastic Bag “celebrating five years of independence “


Ambassador Olímpio Branco Greeted the Guests, including Mr. Li Hui, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs of China and the Ambassadors


1.8 Promoting Timor-Leste through Media

Prominent Chinese media has been instrumental in disseminating information to facilitate the knowledge of common Chinese regarding the geographic whereabouts of Timor-Leste and its potential for investments. As such, throughout the work of the Embassy of Timor-Leste in Beijing from the commencement of the year 2007 until its conclusion, Timor-Leste has received the much coveted exposure through the following medium, with some media covered Timor-Leste on numerous occasions on different topics of interest.

1. Opção Turismo Online2. Macau Hub Online3. Agencia Lusa Online4. Dinheiro Digital Online5. East Timor Action Network (ETAN) mailing list Online6. UNMIT Media International Coverage7. Suara Timor-Loro Sa’e8. Radio Nacional de Timor-Leste9. Televisao Nacional de Timor-Leste (being scheduled)10. Wild Exploration Magazine11. Global Times12. China National Television13. China Trade News14. Beijing Youth Daily15. TTG Asia Media16. China Digital Television Global Travel Channel17. Global Travel Newspaper18. China People’s Broadcasting Radio19. Macau Takungpao Newspaper20. Global Travel Television21. RTP Timor Contacto (being scheduled)22. National Broadcasting Radio FM 88.723. Agence France Presse (AFP)24. RTP International Online25. Noticias Lusofonas Online26. Cabo Verde Telecommunications Online27. Expresso28. Nanchang Newspaper29. Xinhuanet News online30. Xin Yu Shi Dai Investment Web31. Dailyvc.com32. Xiao Yang Tourism Web33. Jiangxi University City Web

34. Hojemacau online35. Jiangxi Tourism Network36. Easttimortourismassociationnews.blogspot.com37. Economia.uol.com.br38. Tasquinha.blogspot.com39. Timorlorosaenacao.blogspot.com40. Timor-online.blogspot.com41. Groups.yahoo.com/group/east-timor-studies42. Br.groups.yahoo.com/group/ajudar-timor43. Mnec.gov.tl44. European Media Monitor45. Euacontacto.com46. Womenexporters.com47. Onlinejournalmadeira.com48. Diário dos Açores49. Noticias.bol.uol.net50. www.cpaffc.org.cn51. [email protected]. Opção Turismo Online53. Macau Hub Online54. Agencia Lusa Online55. Dinheiro Digital Online56. East Timor Action Network (ETAN) mailing list Online57. UNMIT Media International Coverage58. Suara Timor-Loro Sa’e59. Radio Nacional de Timor-Leste60. Special Editions of Televisao Nacional de Timor-Leste61. Radio Beijing 62. China National Radio FM 96.6 63. Wild Exploration Magazine64. Global Times65. China National Television66. China Trade News67. Beijing Youth Daily68. TTG Asia Media

69. Zhgwenfa International Film (Beijing) 70. The Daily Economic & Stockmarket Newspaper, Tianjin71. China Digital Television Global Travel Channel72. Globle Travel 73. Global Travel Newspaper74. China Broadcasting Radio FM 88.7 75. China People’s Broadcasting Radio76. Global Travel Television77. RTP Timor Contacto78. Agence France Presse (AFP)79. RTP International Online80. Noticias Lusofonas Online81. Bitechina.com.cn 82. www.islamictourism.com 83. www.seraja.com84. www.tourismtimordirectory.com 85. www.epressnews.com86. www.vozdipovo-online.com87. Mercosulcplp.blogspot.com88. Cabo Verde Telecommunications Online89. Expresso90. Hojemacau online91. Easttimortourismassociationnews.blogspot.com92. Economia.uol.com.br93. Timorlorosaenacao.blogspot.com94. Timor-online.blogspot.com95. Hong Kong Sino Asia Web TV Station96. Groups.yahoo.com/group/east-timor-studies97. Br.groups.yahoo.com/group/ajudar-timor98. Cblog.chinadaily.com.cn99. People Daily Newspaper100. China’s Foreign Trade Magazine101. www.english.people.com.cn 102. CCTV1 (China TV Channel 1)103. Destination Magazine


1.9 Embassy’s Major Prints and Publication Works

During the year of 2007 alone and for reporting the activities relating to that year, the Embassy of Timor-Leste in Beijing has produced the following publications and promotional materials, which have been distributed widely:

1. Passage to Timor-Leste in English and Chinese 2. Timor-Leste Participation at Beijing International Tourism Expo 2007 in English 3. Timor-Leste Participation at Nanchang International Eco-Tourism Expo 2007 in English4. 1st Edition of Welcome to Timor-Leste in English and Chinese 5. 2nd Edition of Welcome to Timor-Leste in English and Chinese6. Plastic Bag “celebrating Five Years of Independence” 7. 1st Edition of Photo Album to Celebrate 5 Years of Timor-Leste's Diplomatic Relations with China and 32nd Anniversary Day of Timor-Leste’s Independence8. 2nd Edition of Photo Album to Celebrate 5 Years of Timor-Leste's Diplomatic Relations with China and 32nd Anniversary Day of Timor-Leste’s Independence 9. Kaibauk in Gold-Colored 10. Kaibauk in Silver-Colored11. Timor-Leste and Chinese Flag Pin12. Reprint 1st Edition Welcome to Timor-Leste (work of Turismo Timor-Leste)13. Reprint 2nd Edition Welcome to Timor-Leste (work of Turismo Timor-Leste)14. 2007 Annual Report of the Embassy of Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste in Beijing

In addition, the Embassy wishes to highlight the special interview with H.E. Ambassador Olimpio Miranda Branco with Newspaper Takungpao, Macau, Messages on the occasion of Christmas and New Year in Foreign Trade Magazine and Web-TV, Tourism Promotion of Timor-Leste in Specialized Magazine, Destinations as well as Participating in the National Events of China and those of the other Embassies in Beijing.

Hong Kong Sino Asia Web-TV Encounter Prior to the Interview


1.10 Summary of Transitional Budget of the Embassy

1.10.1 1 July – 31 December 2007

It is in the view of the Embassy to present only the transitional budget commencing from 1 July to 31 December 2007 as information only. The main focus of the report is to solely highlight activities A full and detailed report of the financial year encompassing the entire 2007 has been duly submitted, with all the supporting documentations, to the finance department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Timor-Leste.

Description: The opening balance for July 2007 was USD$4,750.09, with the total number of advance received from HQ in the amount of USD$32,120.01. USD$1,528.00 was the reimbursement from MNE HQ for Ambassador Olímpio Branco’s plane ticket, which the Embassy advanced in the first place.

Reimbursement of USD$2,007.67 was for the medals for Timor-Leste former combatants produced in China, under the arrangement of H.E. Mr. Virgilio Smith, where the Embassy advanced its own funds to ensure expeditious production and their subsequent distribution in Timor-Leste.

USD$1,282.67 received from Timor-Leste Directorate of Tourism for the courier payment of the promotional materials about Timor-Leste produced by the Embassy of Timor-Leste in Beijing and donated to them for eventual distribution during PATA 2007 in Bali, Indonesia. That amount was previously paid out of the Embassy’s Bilateral Account owing to the fact that, the Embassy’s advance was not sufficient to cover the cost at that time.

Upon receipt of the money, which was credited into the Embassy’s normal operating account, it was then debited and transferred back to the Bilateral Account.

The total amount expensed as at the end of 31 December 2007 was USD$60,807.86 with a negative balance of USD$147.42, because of the currency exchange transactions and the modalities used.

An additional of USD$1,185.23 was as yet forthcoming from the MNE HQ for the plane ticket reimbursement for the Ambassador Olímpio Branco. The travel is as yet consumed. Since the ticket has been purchased, MNE HQ was requested to refund, with the ticket to be used at a later date in 2008.

Expense in the month of December, as shown in the graph, was highest owing to the reimbursements, which was overdue from MNE HQ and Tourism Department of Timor-Leste, as well as the payment of two months contract fee of independent contractor in professional category for the month of January and February 2008. Therefore, all the disbursements were accounted for.


1.11 Ancillary Activities

1.11.1 Procurement Support – Medals

As the government of Timor-Leste made the decision to award the medals of honour to the national heroes of Timor-Leste, the former combatants, there surfaced the need to outsource the production of the specified medals overseas. The possibility of several countries, as the place of production, were studied, with subsequent largest batches were made in China. Some were previously produced without the direct involvement of the Embassy of Timor-Leste in Beijing; however, the Embassy soon learned that by acting as the go-between between the RDTL government and the manufacturer, the Embassy could locate a company with a reasonable price with the same, if not, better quality of medals. As the Embassy charged nothing for its services in this regard, it has saved substantial amount of money for the country.

1.11.1.1 First Company

2,830 Medals of Nicolau Lobato with unit price ranging from 48 RMB to 84 RMB. Total price paid was RMB 263,440.00 equivalent to USD$33,389.10 (1 USD = 7.89 RMB agreed upon at that time).

1.11.1.2 Second Company

The second batch of medals was manufactured with the unit price ranging from 41 RMB to 54 RMB with the total unit of 3,650 costing 280,000.00 RMB equivalents to USD$ 35,488.00.

* Medal Martinho Lopes 250

* Lorico Asuwain 900

* Funu Nain (Grade 1) 250



* Falintil (Grade 1) 250



1.11.1.3 Third Company

The third batch of medals was produced with the unit price of 28 with the total unit of 10,500 costing RMB 294,000 +3% early delivery RMB 8,820.00(1 USD – 7.80 RMB) = USD$38,823.1.

* Ordem das Falintil Grau III 4,750

* Ordem Funu Nain Grau III, 5,750


From the above graphs, it can be inferred that from the three companies producing the medals, company C that produced 10,500 units was most cost effective in comparison to the two other companies, 1 and 2. Company 3, produced the largest number of medals with the cost differential of 24% of company 1 and 2 combined. Thus, the Embassy of Timor-Leste in Beijing has been successful in achieving a lowest possible price whilst maintaining the quality upon direct intervention with the third company.

1.11.2 Facilitate Timorese Company (Rice Procurement)

Early in the year 2007, Timor-Leste was beset by the shortage of rice and the government, at that time, tendered out the services for the provision of rice to Timorese local companies in the amount of USD$1.7 million. The Embassy of Timor-Leste in Beijing facilitated one local company to purchase the rice. However, due to certain circumstances, the RDTL government initiated direct purchase of the rice needed.

1.11.3 Shanghai World Expo 2010

Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste has been invited to participate at the Shanghai World Expo 2010 from May 1 – October 31, 2010. The letter of invitation was sent to the government of Timor-Leste in 2006 with subsequent participation of Dr. Tony Duarte at the Second Participants Conference in Shanghai on October 15 – 16, 2007.

According to the Participation for Registration of Expo 2010 Shanghai, China and Special Regulation No. 2, the participant who meets one of the following requirements is deemed as qualified for assistance. When the national income is used to judge whether a country is qualified for assistance, the decision will be made according to the statistics about its national income released by the United Nations and the World Bank one year before the Participation Contract is concluded.

Countries eligible for financial assistance fund must appear on the 2004 Report about the Least Developed Countries published by the United Nations Trade and Development Commission or the low-income countries with per capita national income equal to or less than USD$825 as designated in the 2004 Index for the Development of the World released by the World Bank. Timor-Leste qualifies for both categories. The total amount of assistance is USD $650,000.00 (six hundred and fifty thousand American dollar only)

Timor-Leste Embassy in Beijing has therefore prepared a submission paper for the consideration of the Council of Ministers relating to Timor-Leste’s participation.

1.11.4 Friendship Sports Activity with the Foreign Ministry of PRC Tennis Club


1.11.5 Tourism, Culture and Education Forum in Jilin Province 1.11.6 Cultural Familiarisation in China and Other Activities


China’s Great Wall – Ambassador and the Family

Dra. Vicky T. underwent brain surgery

1 2

3


Under the Bilateral Agreement between the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste and the People’s Republic of China, the Embassy of Timor-Leste in Beijing officially opened on December 4, 2004, in which the Chinese government provided in kind contribution to assist Timor-Leste’s diplomats in Beijing with three apartments, in which the first is used as the office of the Embassy (156), the second (166) as Residence of the Ambassador, the third, 045 as the Residence of the Counsellor.

The office of the Embassy has 134 items, 45 items in the Ambassador’s residence and the residence of the Counsellor has 28 items. All items are property of the Embassy of RDTL in Beijing. For a detailed listing of the asset, kindly refer to the appendices 5.1.

2 Assets of the Embassy

For the year 2008, Timor-Leste Embassy in Beijing, China has established its goal and objective – sort of its vision and mission statements for the year. Its primary goal of the year is to attain even stronger bilateral cooperation through the promotion of Timor-Leste’s interest in all aspects of relations with China resulting in a mutually beneficial arrangement for both the Timorese and the Chinese people. In order to achieve this, an objective need to be formulated taking into consideration the acceleration of entry of Chinese investment and cooperation in Timor-Leste to contribute to the overall effort in promoting economic activity of the country. Merely establishing goal and objective do not suffice without a tangible result, that is a performance indicator, aiming at least two Chinese private investors and three bilateral cooperation program be operational in Timor-Leste in 2008.

3 Forward Looking into 2008

China National Tourist Office - www.cnto.org De Araújo Duarte, Felizberto (Tony), (2007), Beijing International Tourism Expo 2007 Participation Report. De Araújo Duarte, Felizberto (Tony), (2007), Nanchang International Eco-Tourism Expo Participation Report. Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, Beijing (2007), Welcome to Timor-Leste.

4 REFERENCE LIST


5.1 List of Assets of Timor-Leste Embassy in Beijing

5 Appendices Assets at the Office of Timor-Leste Embassy, Beijing

NoTa

g rebmuN laireS noitpircseD tessA DI1 1 Monitor HP 1902 (Toby) CNC51524TF2 2 Keyboard HP (Toby) B777A0AVBRJ20L3 3 Mouse HP (Toby) F6AB70SN3RE409J4 4 Motum HP Compaq (Toby) CNG51304Z15 5 Moniter HP 1902 (Mr. Ambassador) CNC51524TG6 6 Keyboard HP (Mr. Ambassador) B777A0AVBR27Q7 7 Mouse HP (Mr.Ambassador) F6AB70SN3RJOMSB8 8 Motum HP Compaq (Mr. Ambassador) CNG521069H9 9 Printer HP DESK JET3748 (Color) CN4AN3Y3GS10 10 Scanner Canon (Mr. Ambassador, 2/2) UZD01030011 11 Telephone Siemens (Mr. Ambassador, 1/3) HA8000P/T12 12 Heater YADU 020089S413 13 Printer Canon (1/2, White) L1057714 14 Printer Canon (2/2, Color) K1028515 15 Laptop Sony (Ms.Vicky) 2005AJ1790,2005DJ098616 16 Laptop Sony Ac Adapter 052126 - 1117 17 Powerpoint Projector Sony 500896018 18 Powerpoint Projector Sony - Remote Commander DC3v 150ma19 19 Powerpoint Projector Sony - Screen Xian Rui 500896020 20 Camera Nikon - Li - ion Battery (1/2) E321 21 Camera Nikon - Quick Charger 0704003573k22 22 Camera Nikon 704711923 23 Telephone Siemens (Ms. Vicky, 2/3) 8522624 24 Vidicon Cam Sony - Microp 185064enoh25 25 Vidicon Cam Sony - Battery (1/2) WPP26 26 Camera Video Cam Sony - Power Adapter 4011819327 27 Vidicon Cam Sony 460581 2-891 439-0128 28 Recorder Sony 301300529 29 USB San Disk 57J99UDXNXR4JNJP30 31 Metal Filling Cabinet Feiyun (Ms.Vicky,3/4, 2drawers)31 32 Stackable Chairs Feiyun (1/9, Secretary's Office)32 33 Safe Yong FA 1261883033 34 Shredder COMET (Ms. Vicky, 2/2) 516200834 35 Shredder COMET (Ms. Margarida, 1/2) 516061435 36 USB SONY Portabke Hard Disc Box2.0 (Ms.Margarida,1/3)36 37 USB SONY Portabke Hard Disc Box2.0 (Mr. Tony, 2/3)37 38 Laptop Hp (Mr.Tony) CN343400NN38 39 Telephone Siemens (Ms. Margarida,3/3) PAEIBH0466339 40 Monitor HP (Ms.Margarida) CNN4450WRQ40 41 Keyboard HP (Ms.Margarida) B777A0AVBQS15H41 42 Mouse HP (Ms.Margarida) F6AB70SN3QR04P842 43 Motum HP Compaq (Ms. Margarida) CNG43901FO43 44 Printer Samsung (Ms. Margarida) BABX600584J44 45 Answering Machine Xun Tong45 46 Desk, Metal, Feiyun, L-shape (Ms. Margarida)46 47 Metal Cupboard (3 Shelves with Bottom Cabin, Feiyun,1/2)47 48 Metal Fiiling Cabinet Feiyun (Ms. Margarida,2/4, 2drawers)48 49 Economic Chairs Feiyun (Ms. Margarida, 2/4)49 50 Economic Chairs Feiyun (Mr.Tony, 3/4)50 51 Conference Chairs Feiyun (1/8)51 52 Multifunction machine: fax, copy/printer,telephone set Panasonic52 53 Guillotine Carl 41223853 54 Metal Filling Cabinet Feiyun (Meeting room,1/4, 2drawers)54 55 Scanner Canon (Toby, 1/2) UZD01029555 56 Reception desk Feiyun56 57 PBX Machine Panasonic 4JAVJ02388757 58 Telephone set Panasonic 4HASC01412758 59 Flag Poll (Gold Color, TL Flag,1/2)59 60 Clock, 4 Pieces, Power (1/4)60 61 Wall Décor - Chinese Calligraphy - TL's name in Chinese Character61 62 Newspaper Hanger YinghAO62 63 Conference Chairs Feiyun (8/8, Toby)63 64 Wall Décor - Painting Uma lulik by Xanana64 65 Photocopy Machine Toshiba CEL43970165 66 Water Disp 2540002AHIEM AIJ NIX resne 366 67 Coffce Machine Krups 1896367 68 Economic Chairs Feiyun (Mr. Xu, 4/4)68 69 Wooden Office Desk, 4 Drawers (Mr. Xu, 4/4)69 70 Economic Chairs Feiyun (Ms. Vicky,1/4)70 71 Metal Filling Cabinet Feiyun (Balcony,4/4, 2drawers)71 72 Metal Fiiling Cabinet Feiyun (4Drawers, Balcony)72 73 Car No. 135001 Buick73 74 Car No. 135004 Hyundai Sonata74 75 Car No. 135005 Buick75 84 Laptop Samsung 783B93DY200131R76 92 Wooden Office Desk, 4 Drawers (Mr.Ambassador, 1/4)77 93 Executive Chairs (Loan, 1/2,Mr. Ambassador)78 94 Leather Sofa (individual, 1/2)79 95 TV Unit (Wooden Cabinet)80 96 TV Panasonic81 97 Wooden Office Desk, 4 Drawers (Ms. Vicky, 2/4)82 98 Wooden Cupboard with 3 drawers in the bottom83 99 Wooden Office Desk, 4 Drawers (Mr. Tony, 3/4)84 100 Three Seaters Leather Sofa 85 101 Sofa Table (Wooden Table)86 102 Wooden Conference Table,(8 Seats, Meeting Roon)87 103 Executive Chairs (Loan, 2/2,Meeting room)88 104 Wooden Wall Cabinet (Corridor)89 105 Small Wooden Side Cabinet (Two glass boards in the middle, Reception area)90 106 Wooden Wall Cabinet (Upon glass and Below wooden, 1/2)91 107 Wooden coffee Table92 108 Washing Machine, Haier93 109 Refrigeratory, Haier 94 110 Stove/ oven XIAO YA KEN DA95 111 Micowave, Panasonic 5D6401083796 112 Stackable Chairs Feiyun (2/9, Balcony)97 113 Stackable Chairs Feiyun (3/9, Diplomatic's Office)98 114 Stackable Chairs Feiyun (4/9,Toilet)99 155 Printer, Canon XAFR14596

100 159 Mobile phone, Nokia N73 101 161 Bicycle102 162 Metal Cupboard (3 Shelves with Bottom Cabin, Feiyun,2/2)103 163 Camera Nikon - Li - ion Battery (2/2) E6104 164 Vidicon Cam Sony - Battery (2/2) K7L6C105 165 Stackable Chairs Feiyun (5/9, Toilet)106 166 Stackable Chairs Feiyun (6/9, Toilet)107 167 Stackable Chairs Feiyun (7/9, Toilet)108 168 Stackable Chairs Feiyun (8/9, Toilet)109 169 Stackable Chairs Feiyun (9/9, Toilet)110 170 Conference Chairs Feiyun (2/8)111 171 Conference Chairs Feiyun (3/8)112 172 Conference Chairs Feiyun (4/8)113 173 Conference Chairs Feiyun (5/8)114 174 Conference Chairs Feiyun (6/8)115 175 Conference Chairs Feiyun (7/8)116 176 Flag Poll (Gold Color, PRC Flag,2/2)117 177 Clock, 4 Pieces, Power (2/4)118 178 Clock, 4 Pieces, Power (3/4)119 179 Clock, 4 Pieces, Power (4/4)120 180 Leather Sofa (individual, 2/2)121 181 Wooden Wall Cabinet (Upon glass and Below wooden, 2/2)122 196 Wall Décor - President's Photos (2/2)123 197 Wall Décor - President's Photos (1/2)124 198 Hot Water (Sanyo) A000472125 199 Metal filling cabinet Feiyun (Mr.Ambassador, 3 drawer,1/2)126 200 Government Charter (Ms.Vicky, 1/2)127 201 Government Charter (Ms.Margarida, 2/2)128 202 Chinese Map (SinoMaps Press)129 203 World Map130 204 Metal filling cabinet Feiyun (Mr.Ambassador, 3 drawer,2/2)131 205 President's Official Photo (Reception, 1/2)132 206 President's Official Photo (Mr.Ambassador's Office, 2/2)133 207 Metal Filling cabinet Feiyun (Mr.Ambassador, 1/2, 3drawers)134 208 Metal Filling Cabinet Feiyun (Mr.Ambassador, 2/2, 3drawers)

Asset of Diplomatic Residence 166

No Tag ID Asset Description Serial Number

1 76Monitor HP 1902 (Purchased with Bilateral Fund to

B742515CNCyssabmE eht llatsni 2 77 7420RBVA0A777BPH draobyeK3 78 YTMOJR3NS07BA6FPH esuoM

4 79Motum HP Compaq (Purchased with Bilateral Fund

9160125GNC)yssabmE eht llatsnI ot5 80 Executive Leather Chair6 81 Mirror7 82 Safe Yong Fa8 83 Ultrasonic Humidifier YADU (Master Room, 1/3) 020601S49 85 Ultrasonic Humidifier YADU (Single Room, 2/3) 020234S4

10 86 5420320730105aediM )lenap 01( retaeH cirtcelE11 87 973123spilihp tes enohpeleT12 88 Mobile phone Nokia 13 89 69500AT704renaelC mucaV14 90 Ultrasonic Humidifier YADU (Store Room, 3/3) 008907J315 91 160cm * 230cm Carpet 16 134 King Size Wooden Bed 17 135 Small Bedside Cabinet (Master Room,1/3)18 136 Single Bed19 137 Small Bedside Cabinet (Single Room,3/3)20 138 Wooden Wardrobe (Single Room)21 139 Wooden Executive table & 1 Cushion Chairs 22 140 Wooden Cupboard (Single Room,1/2)23 141 Wooden Dining Table, 6 Seaters24 142 Dining Chairs (1/6)25 143 Wooden Cupboard (Dining Room,2/2)26 144 Wooden Chest Cabinet (Dining Room)27 145 Sofa,Leather, 3 Pieces28 146 Sofa Table, Glass Top29 147 Side Lamp Table, Glass Top (1/2)30 148 TV Cabinet/ Unit(1 big and 1 small)31 149 TV, Panasonic 32 150 Tea Table with 2 Chairs 33 151 C/872DCBreiaH ,enihcaM gnihsaW34 152 Refrigeratory, Haier35 153 Stove/Oven Xiao Na Ken Da36 154 Microwave, Panasonic37 182 Dining Chairs (2/6)38 188 Dining Chairs (3/6)39 189 Dining Chairs (4/6)40 190 Dining Chairs (5/6)41 191 Dining Chairs (6/6)42 192 Side Lamp Table, Glass Top (2/2)43 193 Small Bedside Cabinet (Master Room,2/3)44 194 Wooden Big Cupboard with Glass(Dining Room)45 195 Dressing Table with 1 Stool

Asset of Diplomatic Residence 045

No Tag ID Asset Description Serial Number

1 115 Sofa set (3pc - 5 Seats)2 116 Wooden Reclining Chairs & Stool3 117 TV Unit4 118 Bedside Cabinet 2 Drawers (1/3)5 119 Wooden Lamp Table (1/2)6 120 Microwave, Panasonic7 121 Dining Table (4 Seaters)8 122 Chairs for Dining Table (1/4)9 123 Wooden Cupboard with glass doors (1/2)

10 124 Shoes Cabinet11 125 C/872DCBreiaH ,enihcaM gnihsaW12 126 Refrigeratory, Haier13 127 King Size Bed 14 128 Bebside Cabinet 2 Drawers (2/3)15 129 Dressing Table with 1 Stool 16 130 Single Bed and matters 17 131 Wooden Cupboard with glass doors (2/2)18 132 Wooden Chest Cabinet 5 Drawers19 133 Wooden Office Desk 20 156 31120Z3MoynaS ,metsyS oiretS llamS21 157 Electric Heater, Midea, 8 Panel22 158 Telephone set Siemens 23 160 Water Dispenser XIN JIA MEI24 183 Bedside Cabinet 2 Drawers (3/3)25 184 Wooden Lamp Table (2/2)26 185 Chairs for Dining Table (2/4)27 186 Chairs for Dining Table (3/4)28 187 Chairs for Dining Table (4/4)


H.E. Dr. Olímpio BrancoAmbassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

Dr. Felizberto (Tony) de Araújo DuarteProject Coordinator

Ms. Margarida Wang, Secretary

Dra. Vicky Tchong, Counsellor

Mr. Xu Qiu WanDriver and Logistics

Mr. Xing Bi Guo Administration Assistant

2007 Personnel at Timor-Leste Embassy, Beijing

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P A A A A Z ~D A M E ~

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HOSI LORO-SA'E TO'O LORO-MONU ITA IDA DE'IT.........

Embassy of Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste in Beijing 156 Gold Island Diplomatic Compound No. 1 Xibahe Nanlu Chao Yang District, Beijing, China 100028 Tel: +86 10 6440 3072/79Fax: +86 10 6440 3071Http://www.timor-leste.gov.tl

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