DILI, 17 April 2026 (TATOLI) – The European Union (EU), through the International Trade Centre (ITC)-implemented project “Support to Regional Integration and Trade”, is supporting English language training for 33 civil servants from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MCI).
The program runs from March to July 2026 and aims to strengthen English communication skills among government officials, enabling more effective engagement with ASEAN and international partners. This initiative contributes to Timor-Leste’s efforts toward regional integration and institutional capacity development.
“In this first edition, a total of 33 officials is participating in the programme, divided into two groups based on proficiency levels, and accounting for more than 120 hours of training overall,” said in a statement.
Strengthening skills for regional engagement
The training provides a structured platform for civil servants to enhance their English proficiency, particularly in professional and technical communication relevant to trade and regional cooperation. It supports Timor-Leste’s ongoing efforts to actively participate in ASEAN processes and international dialogue.
Participants have demonstrated strong commitment throughout the programme, reflecting a broader dedication within the civil service to continuous learning and professional development. They also underwent placement testing, as well as continuous and final assessments throughout the training programme, to evaluate their progress, readiness to advance to the next level, and eligibility for future participation.
Whole-of-government commitment
The initiative highlights the strong commitment of the Government of Timor-Leste, particularly the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, to invest in the capacity of its civil servants. The training was requested by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry as part of its efforts to strengthen the English language skills of its staff and improve engagement with ASEAN and international partners.
The programme reflects close collaboration between the European Union (EU), the International Trade Centre (ITC) and government institutions, emphasizing a shared objective of building a capable and globally connected public administration
European Union partnership
The European Union reaffirms its partnership with Timor-Leste in supporting institutional development, skills enhancement and regional integration.
By investing in people and knowledge, the EU contributes to building a more capable public administration and supporting Timor-Leste’s effective participation in regional and international frameworks.
The International Trade Centre (ITC), as the implementing partner, continues to work closely with national stakeholders to ensure effective delivery of EU-funded capacity-building initiatives that strengthen trade-related skills and institutional performance.
The European Union remains committed to working with the Government of Timor-Leste and ITC to strengthen institutional capacity and support the country’s long-term, inclusive and sustainable development.
TATOLI
