DILI, 06 november 2023 (TATOLI) – Empreza Diak promotes Timor-Leste local handicraft products through a national fair held at the Jorge Sampaio Cultural Centre at the Portuguese Embassy in Dili.
The manager of the Empreza Diak program, Agustinho Xena de Jesus, said that this is an event that serves not only to promote local craft products but also to generate income for different local craft groups by selling their products.
He said, therefore, the Fair provided market opportunities for local artisans to increase income and at the same time promoted Timorese cultural identity to the world.
Lots of gorgeous crafts created by skilled local people – perfect for gifts or a treat for oneself were sold at the Fair.
Different local craft groups from Liquiça, Dili, and the Atauro Island took part in the fair, where they sold many different products, including traditional textiles ‘Tais’, traditional necklaces, traditional earrings, mini bags made from tais, traditional baskets, traditional sleeping mats, traditional hats, traditional plates, traditional tablespoons, dolls made from tais, etc.
“There are 17 local handicraft groups taking part in this event, of which seven are from Dili, five from Liquiçá, and five from the island of Ataúro,” said De Jesus at the fair at the Portuguese Embassy in Dili today.
According to him, the fair gave the groups the opportunity to sell their products, which is crucial to ensure the sustainability of their businesses, as well as to support the family economy and contribute to Timor-Leste’s economic growth.
“On behalf of Empreza Diak, I thanked the Portuguese Embassy in Dili for allowing the fair to be organized at the Jorge Sampaio Cultural Centre,” said De Jesus.
The fair was financially supported by the Embassy of Portugal with a US$5,000 grant, which included a six-month training for the groups to improve the quality of their craft products.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
