EU-funded initiative strengthens women’s entrepreneurship in Timor-Leste through new ITC–AEMTL cooperation
DÍLI, 30 July 2026 (TATOLI) – With the support of the European Union, the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the Associação Empresarial das Mulheres de Timor-Leste (AEMTL) have signed a Letter of Intent to strengthen cooperation in support of women entrepreneurs and more inclusive economic development in Timor-Leste.
The Letter of Intent was signed under the European Union-funded and ITC-implemented project “Support to Regional Integration and Trade in Timor-Leste.” It establishes a framework for cooperation aimed at strengthening the skills, competitiveness and market readiness of women-led businesses, enabling them to benefit more fully from the opportunities created by Timor-Leste’s growing regional and international economic integration, including its ASEAN membership.
Through this cooperation, ITC and AEMTL will work together to support women entrepreneurs in areas such as business advocacy and PPDs, business management, e-commerce and digital tools, market access and export readiness, quality standards and certification, tourism and hospitality and agri-based and fisheries value chains.
The collaboration will also strengthen AEMTL’s institutional capacity and its role as a representative organization for women entrepreneurs across Timor-Leste’s 13 municipalities. This will enable AEMTL to provide more effective services to its members and help ensure that the priorities and perspectives of women-led businesses are reflected in economic and trade-related discussions.
The initiative reflects the shared commitment of the European Union, ITC and AEMTL to ensuring that the benefits of economic integration reach businesses and communities across Timor-Leste. Stronger women-led enterprises can contribute to sustainable livelihoods, job creation, economic diversification and greater participation by women in the country’s economic development.
The “Support to Regional Integration and Trade in Timor-Leste” project is funded by the European Union and implemented by the International Trade Centre. The project supports Timor-Leste in moving from accession to implementation by strengthening the country’s capacity to meet its regional and international commitments and translate economic integration into tangible opportunities for businesses and citizens. It works closely with government institutions, the National Parliament, private-sector organizations and civil society to promote inclusive and sustainable trade-led development.
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