DILI, 28 September 2023 (TATOLI) – The Government of Timor-Leste wishes Timorese entrepreneurs to promote economic sustainability by effectively participating in petroleum projects in Timor-Leste.
Vice Prime Minister Mariano Assanami Sabino considered that the private sector is the main pillar as a government partner to boost development and sustainability in Timor-Leste.
“It is most important for the government to discuss with Timorese entrepreneurs in many sectors that are able to boost economic development in this country, especially investing in petroleum projects,” Vice Prime Minister Mariano Assanami Sabino told reporters after launching the ceremony of the National Workshop on promoting the private sector for a sustainable economy in Timor-Leste in Bebora on thursday.
He added that the government of Timor-Leste should come close to the private sector to encourage them to participate in various sectors such as petroleum, agriculture, tourism, and others.
Timor-Leste has natural resources of petroleum and minerals, such as the greatest sunrise. Timorese entrepreneurs must be involved in local content.
In the same place, Minister of Petroleum and Minerals Francisco Da Costa Monteiro said Timorese entrepreneurs must be seriously involved in local content.
“We should industrialize petroleum activity to support and involve them in local content in onshore and offshore activities,’’ he said
It requires involvement in basic infrastructure for investing in the petroleum and mineral sectors and to develop economic growth in this country.
However, the government should elaborate a legal framework to create draft decree laws for local content to ensure the participating investment boosts economic development.
Thus, the specific issues of local content are composed of basic infrastructure for investment, equipment, transportation mobility, food supply, and others.
President of CCI-TL, Jorge Manuel Serrano, said Timorese entrepreneurs must fully participate in economic development.
“It is the proper time for Timorese entrepreneurs to effectively contribute to economic sustainability in this lovely country. We should not be passive and participate in investing in various sectors to boost economic growth,’’ he explained.
Mr. Serrano emphasized that this national workshop gathers entrepreneurs from different backgrounds to gain information from government policy to support private sector interns in legal frameworks, financial support through the credit system, and others.
“In this period, money was not difficult to access for the credit of any kind of business. The government will provide financial support to support Timorese entrepreneurs in running their business activities,’’ he concluded.
It’s recalled that the national seminar is organized by the Women Business Association (AEMTL), the Minister of Petroleum and Minerals, Trade Invest, and supported by CCI-TL. This one-day seminar was attended by 70 Timorese entrepreneurs.
Journalist: José Belarmino de Sá
Editor: Rafael Ximenes de A. Belo
