Chinese Government provides $4.7 million grant for Phase 3 of the Hybrid Rice Agricultural Technology Project (Linked to Record ID#63600, #38008, #38138, and #38191)

Project narrative

In 2008, the China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) and the Government of Timor-Leste signed a grant agreement worth $2,920,731.35 for Phase 1 of the Hybrid Rice Agricultural Technology Project (captured in Record ID#38008). On December 31 2008, the first disbursement of the Hybrid Rice Plantation project occurred. Then, on December 4, 2009, MOFCOM and the Government of Timor-Leste signed an exchange of letters, which committed an additional $2,927,700.44 of grant funding for Phase 2 of the Hybrid Rice Agricultural Technology Project (captured in Record ID#38191). Then, in 2012, MOFCOM and the Government of Timor-Leste signed a grant agreement worth $4,759,864.82 for Phase 3 of the Hybrid Rice Agricultural Technology Project (captured in this project, ID#38116). This project involved the provision of technical assistance and rice seeds, fertilizer, and agricultural chemicals to farmers in the districts of Manatuto, Baucau, Lautem, Bobonaro and Viqueque. Long Ping High-Tech Agricultural Co. Ltd. was the contractor responsible for all three phases. Phase 1 commenced in January 2008 and concluded in January 2010. Phase 2 commenced on July 15, 2011 and it was completed, but its precise completion date is unknown. A project completion ceremony for Phase 3 took place on June 19, 2015. However, its commencement date is unknown. The implementation of this project reportedly resulted in a rice yield increase in Manatuto district from 1.5 tons per hectare to 6-8 tons per hectare. According to the Government of Timor-Leste’s Aid Transparency Portal (ATP), the Chinese Government ultimately disbursed $2,927,764.73 for Phase 1, $3,133,124.97 for Phase 2, and 4,404,724.31 for Phase 3. The ATP Project Identification Number is 87292191426.