CÂMARA DE COMÉRCIO E INDÚSTRIA DE TIMOR LESTE
Rua 30 de Agosto. No.02, ACAIT, DILI, TIMOR-LESTE, TEL: +670 332 1022,
Web: www.cci.tl, Email:
Official Intervention by the Chairman of CCI-TL – Strengthening Cooperation with ASEAN-BAC
Strengthening Timor-Leste’s Private Sector Readiness for ASEAN Integration
Good afternoon, excellencies, Chairman of ASEAN BAC, distinguished delegates and colleagues,
On behalf of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Timor-Leste (CCI-TL), I would like to express our sincere and deepest gratitude to the ASEAN Business Advisory Council, Chairman Datu Tan Sri Nazir Razak and all the members for continuous support, guidance and collaboration extended to Timor-Leste throughout our accession journey to ASEAN
CCI-TL highly values the role of ASEAN-BAC which played an important role in engaging with our business community and the Chamber of Commerce itself with all stake holders, especially in providing critical insights and encouragement to align with ASEAN’s economic community objectives.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Over the past three years, Timor-Leste’s economy has been gradually recovering. After contracting by –8.6% in 2020, we were able to recover 1.5% in 2022 and around 3.0% in 2023. This was driven by public investment, consumption and the revival of private businesses. Yet, our productive sectors remain underdeveloped, and the private sector’s integration into regional value chains is still limited.
This is where ASEAN offers a unique opportunity to accelerate economic diversification, competitiveness, and inclusive growth.
We propose more organize and regulated cooperation under legal framework between CCI-TL and ASEAN BAC members to support private sector preparation and participation in ASEAN integration.
This cooperations may include:
a) Joint policy dialogues to ensure Timor-Leste’s private sector voice is represented in all ASEAN initiatives.
b) Technical support and capacity building for SMEs to align with ASEAN standards and digital trade requirements.
c) Enhanced business linkages through participation in ASEAN events including ASEAN Business and Investment Summit.
d) Continuous Inclusive support for youth and women entrepreneurs through regional platforms like AWEN and AMEN.
Distinguish guest, ladies and gentlemen,
CCI-TL reaffirmed readiness to collaborate with ASEAN BAC through a Memorandum of Understanding, a joint platformed work plan, and the mobilization of technical assistance with support from ASEAN BAC business partners.
In conclusion,
To align with the Timor-Leste preparedness to assume full ASEAN membership, CCI-TL reaffirms its commitment, ensuring the private sector is not left behind. Together with ASEAN BAC, we believe Timor-Leste can achieve inclusive and sustainable economic integration.
Thank you once again for your valuable partnership and ongoing support.
