Calls for East Timor food tender process to be changed

Updated July 8, 2009 10:23:39

A prominent East Timorese businessman has raised concerns about the tender process for tens of millions of dollars worth of government contracts.

Radio Australia has revealed that some of the contracts were awarded to companies involving the prime minister's daughter - and a daughter in law - as well as the wife of a senior minister. Last week, during a press conference, four businessmen defended Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao's involvement in the allocation of the contracts.

But now, the World Food Program and a prominent businessman have joined the opposition Fretilin party in calling for changes to East Timor's tender process.

Presenter: Steve Holland
Speakers: Rui Castro, director, agriculture import firm Caimaneloqui; Joannes Flurent, director, World Food Program in East Timor, ; Arsenio Bano, deputy leader, opposition Fretilin party.