DILI, 03 April 2026 (TATOLI) – Timor-Leste’s Finance Minister, Santina José Rodrigues F. Viegas Cardoso, attended the High-Level Conference of the Public Expenditure Management Network in Asia (PEMNA) in Seoul from 31 March to 2 April 2026.
The conference focused on “Leveraging Digital Transformation for Smarter Public Financial Management: Opportunities, Risks, and Early National Experiences.”
The event brought together government officials, experts from across the region, and international organisations to share experiences and discuss modernising public financial management, with particular emphasis on digital transformation and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.
On the first day, Minister Cardoso participated in a high-level panel on digital transformation in public finance.
Timor-Leste’s presentation highlighted the country’s ongoing priorities, including strengthening legal frameworks, developing digital systems, enhancing human resource capacity, and improving infrastructure—particularly the integration of central and local government operations.
The conference also featured joint and parallel sessions on budget management, treasury operations, and revenue systems, offering participants opportunities for technical cooperation and exchange of best practices.
Timor-Leste’s delegation included officials from various units of the Ministry of Finance, including José Alexandre de Carvalho, Director-General of Planning and Budget, as well as experts from the Treasury Directorate, the Integrated Financial Management Information System Unit, and the Tax Authority.
The country’s participation reflects Timor-Leste’s ongoing efforts to modernise public financial management in line with reform priorities and strengthen regional cooperation.
TATOLI
