Dili, October 9, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The Secretary of State for Cooperatives (SeKoop) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Timor-Leste (CCI-TL) to establish a cooperative mechanism and strengthen the cooperative sector in Timor-Leste.
The Secretary of State for Cooperatives, Arsénio Pereira da Silva, stated that the main objective of this MoU is to build an institutional cooperation mechanism to promote and strengthen the cooperative sector, thereby contributing to economic growth and creating a favorable business environment for cooperatives in Timor-Leste.
“I feel deeply honored to realize this agreement today. We have discussed it many times formally, but now we are making it real, this MoU will guide how we to work together, in line with our motto: working together to create change through cooperatives,” said Secretary Arsénio Pereira da Silva (07/10/2025).
He further explained that both parties will collaborate in promoting policies and regulations that support cooperatives, facilitating training and capacity building for cooperative enterprises, improving access to financial resources and market opportunities, encouraging public-private partnerships, and strengthening advocacy and public policy for the cooperative sector.
“This cooperation will involve information and experience sharing, organizing joint seminars, workshops, and training programs, developing policies and joint projects, building networks and connections between cooperatives and the business sector, and creating a joint working group (50-50%) between SeKoop and CCI-TL,” he added.
Secretary Arsénio also emphasized that SeKoop’s role is to develop and implement policies to support cooperatives, ensure proper supervision and good governance, and facilitate access to financial institutions (such as the National Development Bank, microcredit, and so on). It also aims to support access to local and international markets, promote technical and management training, and encourage innovation, digitalization, and product certification for cooperatives.
“We must work together to bring change to our cooperatives, because SeKoop cannot do it alone,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, CCI-TL President Jorge Serrano expressed that it was a great privilege for the private sector to sign this agreement with SeKoop.
“This is an important moment because CCI-TL, as the Government’s strategic partner, which is committed to work together to engage the productive private sector in the development of our nation, aligning with the Government’s strategic plans, especially those of ministries involved in economic activities,” said Jorge Serrano.
He added that SeKoop has an important role to play in collaboration with CCI-TL to advance national development.
“We Timorese must support one another and work together, especially as our country joins ASEAN and the World Trade Organization (WTO). We must be prepared to move forward,” he said.
Through this MoU, CCI-TL commits to providing technical assistance and specialized consultancy, building networks and strategic partnerships at both national and international levels.
“CCI-TL will organize business and management training, promote a favorable business environment, encourage participation in trade fairs and economic events, and support the integration of cooperatives into value chains and international trade,” added Jorge Serrano.
In addition, the MoU supports innovation, marketing, and digitalization, as well as participation in working groups and mobilization of resources with international partners. The agreement will be effective for three years.
The mutual commitment between SeKoop and CCI–TL aims to unite efforts to strengthen the cooperative movement and the national private sector, promoting inclusive and sustainable development in Timor-Leste.
Reporter: Domingas
Photo: Media SeKoop