The Central Bank of Timor-Leste hosted the 7th Issuance and Treasury Meeting of the Central Banks of Portuguese-Speaking Countries, held in the Conference Room of the Hotel de Novo Turismo, in Dili, on September 11 and 12, 2024.

The event reunited delegations from the central banks of Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Macao, Mozambique, Portugal, São Tomé and Príncipe, as well as the Central Bank of Timor-Leste, with the aim of strengthening cooperation ties between these institutions, promoting joint reflection on specific issues of function, issuance and treasury, in order to establish strategies for action in areas of common interest.

 At the opening session, chaired by the Governor of the Central Bank of Timor-Leste, Helder Lopes, the importance of the event was stressed as a unique opportunity for participants to exchange experiences and knowledge in the field of issuance and treasury.

 Among the various topics discussed was the role of cash as a means of payment, which is still relevant in Timor-Leste. However, the Central Bank has been promoting the use of digital payment instruments as a way of gradually reducing dependency on cash in the country. “Cash remains an important means of payment in Timor-Leste, although the Central Bank is committed to promoting digital payment instruments to gradually reduce dependency on the use of cash,” explained Governor Helder Lopes.

The Vice-Governor of the Central Bank of Timor-Leste, Sara Lobo Brites, chaired the working sessions that took place over the two days, in which recommendations were shared for the future of issuance and treasury in the participating countries.

The 7th Issuance and Treasury Meeting reinforced the importance of cooperation between the central banks of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries, consolidating the commitment to collaboration in the development of innovative and effective solutions to monetary and financial issues.