The European Union (EU) Supports Young Timorese Entrepreneurs Expand Business Networks Beyond Borders
Held at Timor Plaza Hotel on Tuesday afternoon, around 150 young entrepreneurs, business leaders from Timor-Leste, across the Asia-Pacific region, and neighbouring Atambua, Indonesia gathered for a session focused on one thing: building partnerships and opportunities for the young business leaders. The room was filled with friendship energy, optimism, and ambition.
Organised by the National Association of Young Timorese Entrepreneurs (ANJET), together with the Young Entrepreneurs Group of Asia-Pacific (YEGAP) and the Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CACCI), the main event was funded by the European Union through the Trade and Regional Integration Project implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC).
Far beyond a formal conference, the gathering reflected a growing sense that Timor-Leste’s recent ASEAN membership can open real opportunities for its young people and businesses. The exchanges and networking expected to provide avenues for the young businesses to exchanged ideas, discussed partnerships, showcased their businesses and products, and explored ways to connect Timorese businesses with regional markets.
One of the most significant moments of the day was the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between ANJET and YEGAP, witnessed by Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, the European Union Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Mr. Thorsten Bargfrede, the President of the Timor-Leste Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Resident Representative of the World Bank and regional business representatives. The agreement marked the beginning of a longer-term partnership between young Timorese business and ASIA Pacific aimed at strengthening mentorship, business networking and partnership and market access.
Throughout the event, key speakers repeatedly echoed one central message: Timor-Leste’s youth are ready to partnership and compete.
In his remarks, ANJET President, Mr. Antoninho highlighted that organising an event of this scale demonstrated that young Timorese entrepreneurs are ready to compete, ready to collaborate, and ready to contribute to the country’s economic future. He also expressed appreciation to the European Union and ITC for supporting the initiative.
Representatives from YEGAP and CACCI described the partnership not simply as institutional cooperation, but as a relationship built on trust, friendship, and shared growth. YEGAP Chair Mr. Hiromi Aoki emphasized that the partnership should go beyond networking and become a platform for continuous mentorship, exposure, and practical collaboration for Timorese businesses.
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"The European Union’s commitment to Timor-Leste remains steadfast—we are dedicated to fostering inclusive economic growth, empowering entrepreneurs, and strengthening regional integration. Yet, the real heroes of today are the young entrepreneurs whose passion and resilience embody the future of this nation’s prosperity. With the EU-Pacific Economic Partnership Agreement, we see immense potential to expand trade and economic ties between Timor-Leste and Europe, unlocking new opportunities for shared progress", said Thorsten Bargfrede, Ambassador of the European Union to Timor-Leste
The forum also featured presentation on investment opportunities in Timor-Leste, including fiscal incentives, highlighting the country’s most generous incentive offer in the region and Timor-Leste’s openness for investment and regional business partnership. In addition, a panel discussion involving representatives from government institutions, ANJET, and YEGAP explored how mentorship, digital readiness, partnerships, and regional exposure can help Timorese entrepreneurs expand beyond the domestic market.
The Prime Minister of Timor-Leste also encouraged regional partners and young business leaders across the ASIA Pacific to work closely with Timorese youth entrepreneurs, mentor them, and help integrate them into wider business networks as the country prepares for its ASEAN