Dili, July 4, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The State Secretariat for Cooperatives (SECoop) held a Coordination Council meeting with representatives of cooperative movements from 12 municipalities, including the Special Administrative Region of Oecusse-Ambeno (RAEOA). The meeting took place at the Cathedral Hall in Dili, on Wednesday.
In an interview, SECoop Secretary Arsenio Pereira da Silva stated that the purpose of the second meeting with coordination lines from all municipalities was to harmonize and discuss the current laws in the country. The goal is to ensure that all economic activities taking place across the municipalities, including RAEOA, are carried out in accordance with the existing legal framework.
“Often, primary cooperatives face challenges when attempting to register, especially regarding required documentation. Therefore, this meeting is a valuable opportunity for us to sit down together with representatives of cooperative movements from the 12 municipalities, including RAEOA, to discuss and share ideas on what actions can be taken and what the government, through SECoop, needs to do to address the obstacles faced by these primary cooperatives. This is so that the cooperative sector can perform its function properly and facilitate the registration process for these primary cooperatives,” said Secretary Arsenio Pereira da Silva.
He added that currently there are approximately 245 primary cooperatives established throughout all municipalities in Timor-Leste. That is why this meeting was organized by SECoop to hear directly from representatives about the current challenges faced in the registration process.
“As I mentioned earlier, this is a continuing meeting or a second-round meeting, because many primary cooperatives want to proceed with their notary registration in order to obtain legal recognition and a tax identification number (TIN). However, they encounter legal barriers due to inconsistencies or lack of harmonization within some laws, making the registration process difficult. So, the main objective of this meeting is for SECoop and cooperative members to discuss and reflect together on how to facilitate the legal registration of primary cooperatives at the notary office,” explained Arsenio Pereira da Silva.
He emphasized that due to these legal obstacles, SECoop organized the meeting to promote dialogue and problem-solving. Speakers from relevant ministerial lines also participated to provide guidance and share information to help primary cooperative members better understand the registration requirements and process at the notary office.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary of State for Cooperatives along with his structure and staff, as well as representatives of cooperatives from the municipalities of Ermera, Manufahi, Liquiçá, Manatuto, Lautém, Ainaro, Aileu, Baucau, Viqueque, Covalima, Atauro, and representatives from RAEOA, including guest speakers representing cooperative members.
Report by: Domingas
Photo by: Domingas