Ministry of Finance Attends High-Level Conference in South Korea
The Minister of Finance, Santina José Rodrigues F. Viegas Cardoso, accompanied by a technical team, took part in the High-Level Plenary Conference of the Public Expenditure Management Network in Asia (PEMNA). The conference, themed “Harnessing Digital Transformation for Smarter Public Finance Management: Opportunities, Risks, and Initial National Experiences,” was held in Seoul, Republic of Korea, from March 31st to April 2nd, 2026.
The conference brought together government officials and experts from different countries in the region, along with representatives from international organisations, aiming to promote the exchange of experiences and dialogue on modernising public financial management, with particular emphasis on digital transformation and the use of new technologies, including artificial intelligence.
On the first day of the conference, the Minister of Finance took part in a high-level panel on digital transformation in public finance, where national experiences, challenges, and future directions were discussed. Timor-Leste’s involvement focused on the country’s current priorities, including strengthening the legal framework, developing digital systems, enhancing human capacity, and improving infrastructure, with particular emphasis on the connection between the central and local levels.
The initiative also involved joint and parallel sessions centred on budget management, treasury operations, and revenue systems, offering opportunities for technical cooperation and the exchange of best practices among participating countries.
The national delegation comprised representatives from various departments of the Ministry of Finance, including the Director-General for Planning and Budget, José Alexandre de Carvalho, as well as officials from the Directorate-General of the Treasury, the Integrated Financial Information and Management System Unit, and the Tax Authority.
Participation in this conference is part of the ongoing effort to modernise the management of national public finances, in line with current reform priorities and the strengthening of regional cooperation.
