In collaboration with UNCTAD and the Government, the EU supports the eTrade Readiness Assessment Results and develop the National E-commerce Strategy.

This joint endeavor underscores our shared commitment to Timor-Leste's digital transformation. 

 

Between 16 and 18 July 2024, the EU, in partnership with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of Timor-Leste and UNCTAD, hosted a workshop in Dili. The primary focus was to unveil the strategic framework of the National E-Commerce Strategy of Timor-Leste (NECS) and discuss the key findings of the eTrade Readiness Assessment.

Supported by the European Union through the Pacific Digital Economy Programme (PDEP), it partners with UNCTAD and the government to develop a national e-commerce strategy to enhance public service delivery, integrating e-government. By improving accessibility, efficiency, and transparency, e-government initiatives will enable citizens, including those in remote areas, to access services, strengthen accountability, and build digital skills within the workforce, thereby enhancing governance and ensuring public services that are more effective for the people of Timor-Leste.

At the workshop, the EU Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Marc Fiedrich, highlighted the need for the country to be prepared, especially for e-trade, once access to the Internet is improved.

Ambassador Marc expressed his optimism at the workshop, stating, "Once access to the Internet improves, developments could be fast if we anticipate and prepare. This assessment provides a roadmap for improving these readiness factors, enabling Timor-Leste to integrate more effectively into the global digital economy. By addressing gaps identified in the assessment, the country can enhance its competitiveness and attractiveness for investments that will require or greatly benefit from having a strong digital component. These could include education, tourism, and anything related to commerce and providing goods and services".

This eTrade Readiness Assessment is the foundation for the e-commerce strategy and reflects the current state of the e-commerce ecosystem in Timor-Leste.

The National E-commerce Strategy outlines a country's plan and policies to foster and support e-commerce development. It includes initiatives to improve digital infrastructure, promote digital literacy, create a conducive regulatory environment, and support local businesses adopting e-commerce practices.


The Pacific Digital Economy Programme is a joint initiative (funded by the EU and Australia ) delivered by the United Nations Capital Development Fund, the United Nations Development Programme, and UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) to support the development of inclusive digital economies in the Pacific.

For more information, contact:

- Flávio Simões, Coordinator and Advisor for the NTFC Secretariat (Consultant),

   Deputy Program Manager; flaviosimoes.martins@gmail.com  

- Akito Ximenes, Press and Information Officer,

   EU Delegation to Timor-Leste; Akito-Francisco.DE-JESUS-X IMENES@eeas.europa.eu

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