Dili, 27 April 2026 (Media Democracia) – President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Timor-Leste (CCI-TL) receives visit from European Union Ambassador to discuss Economic Development and Business Sector Development in Timor-Leste.
According to the President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Timor-Leste (CCI-TL), Jorge Manuel de Araujo Serrano, this meeting is about the future partnership between CCI-TL and the European Union regarding business sector development in Timor-Leste.
“This first meeting was a visit from the European Union Embassy to look at future partnership between CCI-TL and the European Union, especially for business sector development in Timor-Leste. The ambassador sees that Timor-Leste joining ASEAN is an opportunity for the national private sector to participate better in Asia, where CCI-TL is already part of some Asian bodies. We also discussed many conditions. The ambassador and delegation listened to CCI-TL’s concerns. The European Union provides financial support, technical support, business capacity building, many things, and there will be an initial meeting with the executive director and vice presidents who will work together with the technical office of the European Union Ambassador.” said the President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Timor-Leste (CCI-TL) at the CCI-TL Building (24/04/2026).
On the other hand, the CCI-TL President added that quality products must be prioritized to further motivate the private sector to invest in productive areas.
“Timor-Leste joining ASEAN means we must place quality products in the markets to further motivate private sectors to invest in productive areas and improve professional management. We see organic products and some investments have already been launched, both large and small, in agriculture and horticulture. These goods are being prepared for national and Asian consumption. For organic products, CCI-TL is currently conducting a data survey to verify exactly how many entrepreneurs are active, to register businesses with SERVE, and to check certifications. The ambassador wants to invest in youth, how many women and men, how many large companies contribute to employment and production.” the President added.
In addition, European Union Ambassador Thorsten Bargfrede said they discussed how to help small businesses, startups, and women entrepreneurs.
“In our discussion today we talked about how to help small businesses, young enterprises, and women, and how they can access finance. The European Union is currently running an activity called AgroPresu that works with CCI-TL, implemented through the Women Entrepreneurs program (AMTL). We also looked at future opportunities on how to support businesses through CCI-TL.” said European Union Ambassador Thorsten Bargfrede.
The European Union Ambassador also added that their support through the International Trade Centre to the government amounts to 3 million Euros.
“Supporting Timor-Leste is very difficult because of the combined amount of support, but particularly other technical support we provide. I tell you that our support through the International Trade Centre (ITC) to the government is 3 million Euros.” added European Union Ambassador Thorsten Bargfrede.
The European Union Ambassador visited CCI-TL to meet business leaders and discuss economic development in Timor-Leste. In the meeting, both parties talked about investment opportunities, strengthening the private sector, and ways to improve the business environment. The Ambassador also reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to continue supporting sustainable economic growth and creating opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
Report By: Trainees Baquita and Novita
Photo By: Trainee Novita