Debate on East Timor’s state budget for 2013, which considers expenditures of US$1.794 billion, will begin this coming February, a parliamentary source said on Thursday in Dili.

The source cited by Portuguese news agency Lusa indicated that the budget will be discussed generally from February 4th to 6th. Discussions focusing on specific areas and overall voting will take place between the 7th and 20th.

“US$1.197 billion of the 1.794 billion come from Petroleum Fund transfers,” the source added.

The 2013 East Timor state budget bill was approved in Council of Ministers last November. The largest portion, amounting to US$891 million, is earmarked for the investment programme and specifically infrastructures. (macauhub)