By The Editor
In early 2009, VECCI was invited by the Prime Minister of Timor-Leste, Xanana Gusmao, to provide assistance and establish a Chamber of Commerce.
This was part of the wider governance project coordinated under the auspices of former Victorian Premier Steve Bracks, who is assisting the Timorese Government to build a stronger governance structure and civil society.
Now the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Timor-Leste (CCITL) is up and running and promoting business development in the fledgling nation.
To help kick off the process, VECCI participated in a business forum to facilitate discussion between the Timorese Government and private sector organisations on issues relating to ways to strengthen the private sector through business associations.
With more than 30 formal and informal business associations of different sizes and structures existing, a need was quickly identified to bring together the leaders of all these groups together to establish a formal Chamber of Commerce with international linkages. Hence the CCITL was born.
VECCI continues to participate in a support and mentoring role, assisting with the development of the CCITL’s budget and business plan, and helping managers to be efficient business advocates.
The CCITL will initially provide “entry-level” building services for the business community, as one of the world’s newest nations continues to build its economy from the ground up.
See some pictures below for more, or download VECCI President Peter McMullin’s VECCI TL Presentation on the VECCI-CCITL project. CCITL representatives will be visiting Victoria next month.
A beautiful day for a beach visit in Timor-Leste.
One of the Districts of Timor-Leste.
A Business Forum in Dili in 2009. VECCI President Peter McMullin is on the right.
Timorese business representatives at the first CCITL Congress in April 2010.
CCITL National Office in Dili.
CCITL training workshop for businesses.
Nice positive work – win-win for VECCI, Victoria and East Timor…