DILI, 05 June 2025 (TATOLI) – The Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the E-Commerce and Digital Economy Branch of the UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) launched eTrade Readiness Assessment of Timor-Leste (eTrade Ready).
The assessment provides a detailed overview of Timor-Leste’s digital and e-commerce ecosystem, identifying policy recommendations across seven key policy areas, based on local challenges and opportunities.
At a time when only 14 per cent of adults in Timor-Leste have made an online purchase, the report underscores the need to improve connectivity, enhance legal and regulatory frameworks, strengthen digital skills, expand access to finance, and build trust in digital systems, all critical steps to broaden participation in e-commerce for citizens, MSMEs, and institutions.
The launch aligns with the Government’s broader digital transformation agenda, including Timor Digital 2032 and the forthcoming National E-commerce Strategy (NECS), which together demonstrate a strong national commitment to inclusive and sustainable digital development.
“This assessment sets the stage for Timor-Leste’s deeper integration into the ASEAN and global digital economy. It will guide the development of our National E-commerce Strategy to support MSMEs and unlock growth in sectors like tourism and agriculture—helping us diversify our economy and create more inclusive, resilient and future ready economy for our people’. Mr Nino Pereira, Minister of Tourism, Trade and Industry, Government of Timor-Leste
In his keynote address, Iotam Lerer, Head of Cooperation at the Delegation of the European Union to Timor-Leste, stated that digital transformation presents opportunities for countries like Timor-Leste to diversify their economies, reduce poverty and improve access to services.
“The European Union is proud to support the eTrade Readiness Assessment of Timor-Leste that will serve as a foundation for the National E-commerce Strategy. The assessment highlights the need for a comprehensive and coordinated approach to develop the country’s digital economy that holds enormous potential to drive inclusive growth, empower women, youth and rural communities, and strengthen resilience in the country. The European Union is committed to harnessing the potential of digital trade to create new opportunities for the Timorese people. We will continue to work closely with the Government of Timor-Leste and other stakeholders to ensure that the country’s digital economy is inclusive, sustainable, and resilient.”
“This assessment marks an important milestone in Timor-Leste’s digital journey. As the 38th eTrade Readiness Assessment conducted globally by UNCTAD—and the first for Timor-Leste—it was developed using our established methodology and in close partnership with national stakeholders. The report offers a clear, evidence-based roadmap for strengthening the foundations of e-commerce. UNCTAD is proud to support Timor-Leste in this important step and remains committed to working alongside its partners to help translate these recommendations into action and foster a more inclusive and connected digital economy.” Torbjörn Fredriksson, Head of the E-commerce and Digital Economy Branch, UNCTAD
Timor-Leste is making notable progress in its digital transformation journey, marked by the adoption of its first E-Commerce Law and ongoing reforms in cybercrime and data protection. Digital payment usage is expanding, with mobile wallets like TPay and Mosan improving financial inclusion, especially in rural areas. While the country benefits from widespread 3G coverage and planned investments in connectivity infrastructure, gaps remain in digital skills, last-mile logistics, and trust in online platforms. High-level government commitment, through initiatives such as Timor Digital 2032 and the forthcoming National E-commerce Strategy, underscores efforts to drive inclusive growth, though continued investment in institutional capacity and coordination is critical to sustaining momentum.
The assessment was prepared by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) under the Pacific Digital Economy Programme (PDEP)—a joint initiative of UNCDF, UNDP, and UNCTAD, supported by the European Union and the Governments of Australia and New Zealand. The PDEP aims to support the development of inclusive and sustainable digital economies in the Pacific, and this eTrade Readiness Assessment is an important step towards achieving this goal.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
