The Vice Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs and Minister of Tourism and the Environment, Francisco Kalbuady Lay, held a meeting on August 15th, 2023, with the interim Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), Adeline Carrier, and her team, to discuss ongoing initiatives in economic development and tourism. The main focus of the meeting was support for young entrepreneurs and the development of blue economy value chains, intending to diversify the national economy. 
Several issues related to Timor-Leste’s sustainable economic development were discussed during the meeting. The Vice Prime Minister and the UNDP team exchanged ideas on strategies for promoting youth entrepreneurship in the country and fostering economic growth through the tourism sector. The blue economy, with its potential to create jobs and opportunities, was highlighted as a priority for diversifying the national economy.
Vice Prime Minister Francisco Kalbuady Lay stated that the 9th Constitutional Government is committed to building a more diversified and robust economy and stressed that partnership with organisations such as the UNDP is fundamental to achieving this goal.
Adeline Carrier reiterated the UNDP’s ongoing commitment to working with the 9th Government and other partners to boost economic diversification and promote equitable opportunities for all citizens.