Export of candlenut oil nearing realization

Oils of Aloha and Acelda Company in Baucau Gear Up for Production

Mr. Matthew Papania, President of Oils of Aloha in Waialua, Hawaii, USA, arrived in E. Timor early February to work with Mr. Higino da Costa Freitas, managing director of Acelda Company, to import and establish the candlenut oil extracting equipment in Baucau. A full story on the progress of COPE, Candlenut Oil Processing Enterprise, see page 5 of the February issue of Agribusiness Timor-Leste.

The report on candlenut oil extraction is a culmination of more than 2 years of effort initiated by the University of Hawaii’s project entitled “Timor-Leste Agricultural Rehabilitation, Economic Growth and Natural Resources Management” supported through a grant from USAID. Dr. Goro Uehara, co-principal investigator, recognized the economic potential of candlenut in Baucau and conveyed his thoughts with Mr. Dana Gray, CEO of Oils of Aloha. Together, they shared their thinking with Dr. Andre du Toit, team leader of UH’s project in Timor-Leste. Du Toit and his local associates, Mr. Fernando Sousa and Mr. Jose Ximines consulted with Mr. Gunther Kohl and Brigitte Podborny of GTZ on their thoughts of possibly helping communities in Baucau. Together with the University of Hawaii’s Pacific Business Center, Oils of Aloha and GTZ approached Mr. Higino for his interest in the oil extracting enterprise.

Without the personal perseverance and sacrifice of du Toit, the COPE would not be a reality today. He felt all along COPE was a key to provide for the economic well-being of communities in the Baucau district. As many are aware, du Toit was killed in an accident on February 9, 2005. He would have been proud of the efforts of many who helped to make his efforts come true.