Government of Timor-Leste

Minister of State and of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and

Official Spokesperson for the Government of Timor-Leste

 Díli, February 23th, 2016

Timor-Leste’s leadership results in groundbreaking CPLP Global Economic Forum

With delegations set to arrive from over 20 countries, in excess of 400 company registrations and more than 300 requests already logged for business to business meetings, the first ever CPLP Global Economic Forum is on track to achieve its objectives ahead of Thursday morning’s opening ceremony to be conducted at the Dili Convention Centre.

The Forum aims to explore the potential of Timor-Leste as a contact platform for the Community of Portuguese Language Countries and the countries of South East Asia and the Pacific, present Timor-Leste as a competitive environment for business, introduce participants to the business environments of the CPLP, ASEAN and Pacific, contribute to the development of an increasingly diversified Timorese private sector, and promote business to business meetings “to encourage joint projects, investment in Timor-Leste and the exploration of new partnerships in common markets.”

On its assumption of the rotating Presidency of the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries [CPLP] in 2014 Timor-Leste recommended that the Community prioritize strengthening economic relations and business partnerships between member countries and foster the CPLP’s position in the global economic scenario. Timor-Leste recognized that the multi-regional nature of the group presented possibilities for commercial engagement yet to be realized.

All CPLP members stand to benefit from this approach, including Timor-Leste with its strategic location in the region.

Minister of State, Coordinator of Economic Affairs and Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, H.E. Estanislau da Silva explained “Timor-Leste stands in the heart of ASEAN and Asia-Pacific Region, which is a unique opportunity for CPLP countries to develop business opportunities in this side of the world, capturing investment and forging business partnerships.”

The 1^st CPLP Global Economic Forum will run from the 25^th to the 27^th of February and will include keynote speakers, panel discussions, interactive presentations, exhibitions of products and services, social events, business-to-business meetings and more. Timor-Leste will be promoting five strategic sectors: Oil and Gas, Agriculture and Agroindustry, Sea and Fisheries, Manufacturing, Tourism and Infrastructure.

Spokesperson for the Sixth Constitutional Government, Minister of State Agio Pereira noted “The Government is proud to be the principal sponsor and organizer for this groundbreaking initiative. The forum this week encourages increased economic engagement with our fellow CPLP members and the countries of our region. In doing so it will expose Timor-Leste to significant business opportunities. Timor-Leste’s leadership in prioritizing commercial and business cooperation and promoting engagement in a globalized economy will be a valuable legacy of our CPLP Presidency.”ENDS