05 December 2016 — The Philippine Embassy in Dili, in partnership with the Embassy of Timor-Leste in Manila and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), held an investment seminar entitled Developing Timor-Leste and Economic Partnership with the Philippines at the B.A. Hall of the PCCI Secretariat Office in Taguig City last November 24.
PCCI Honorary Chairman and Chief Operating Officer Donald Dee delivered the welcome remarks while Timor-Leste Ambassador to the Philippines Jûvencio de Jesus Martins formally opened the seminar.
On behalf of Secretary of Trade and Industry Ramon Lopez, Ms. Angie Cayas, Executive Director of the Department of Trade and Industry’s International Investment Promotion Service, gave the keynote address.
A Timorese delegation led by Engr. Arçanjo da Silva, Executive Director of TradeInvest Timor-Leste, was invited to speak about the investment regime in Timor-Leste. In his presentation, Mr. da Silva provided information on the services being provided by his agency for foreign investors. He identified as well the country’s priority areas of investment and the required documents for foreign investors.
Philippine Ambassador to Timor-Leste Evelyn D. Austria-Garcia delivered the closing remarks which was followed by a luncheon that gave the participants the opportunity to raise a wide-range of business and investment-related questions the Timorese resource persons to answer.
A total of around 60 entities representing various business interests such as poultry raising, water treatment, ship maintenance, human resources, oil refinery, attended the seminar.
In addition to the seminar, site visits were also arranged for the Timorese delegation which was mostly comprised of officials from TradeInvest.
Last November 25, the Timorese delegation also had the opportunity to call on DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez. During the meeting, the Secretary conveyed the Philippine Government’s willingness to assist Timor-Leste in areas or sectors that are relevant to the country’s aspiration to become a member of ASEAN. He explained as well the concept of Go Negosyo, a business concept to help develop SMEs in the Philippines, which may be applicable to the economic environment of Timor-Leste.
The Timorese delegates were also received by PEZA Director General Charito B. Plaza and TESDA Deputy Director General for Partnerships and Linkages Rebecca J. Calzado.
“I am pleased to note that the activities were held at a very crucial time when the Philippines and Timor-Leste are both fully committed to enhancing their trade and investment cooperation in areas where both sides can mutually benefit. The Philippines remains committed in being a reliable economic and development partner of Timor-Leste,” said Ambassador Austria-Garcia.
In line with its mandate to lay the groundwork for the two countries’ viable economic partnership, the Philippine Embassy in Dili plans to roll out similar economic diplomacy initiatives in the future. END