DÍLI, 22 October 2026 (TATOLI) – The European Union has supported the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MCI) and the Secretary of State for Equality (SEI) in organizing a one-day workshop to discuss the findings and recommendations of the SheTrades Outlook, a policy assessment tool of ITC’s Trades Initiative that aims at strengthening women’s participation in trade and economic development.
The assessment was conducted by ITC, MCI and SEI during the first half of 2026 and involved consultations with 18 Timorese institutions, including Government Ministries, the Central Bank of Timor-Leste and the Timor-Leste Businesswomen Association (AEMTL). The findings, published in Policy Insights on Women and Trade: Timor-Leste, are also available in Tetum.
The workshop took place at a pivotal moment for Timor-Leste as the country advances its integration into regional and global markets following its accession to the World Trade Organization in 2024 and ASEAN in 2025. As new trade opportunities emerge, ensuring that women entrepreneurs can participate and benefit from economic growth becomes increasingly important.
During the workshop, representatives from government institutions, business support organizations and the private sector reviewed the assessment findings and identified priority actions to address barriers faced by women in business and trade. Participants also discussed implementation responsibilities, resource requirements and opportunities for collaboration to advance women’s economic empowerment.
Representatives from MCI, SEI and AEMTL reaffirmed their commitment to promoting gender-responsive trade policies and strengthening support for women-led businesses. The recommendations generated through the assessment and workshop discussions will help guide future initiatives aimed at expanding opportunities for women entrepreneurs across Timor-Leste.
The workshop also contributed to shaping future interventions under the European Union continued support for trade development and inclusive economic growth in Timor-Leste, ensuring that gender equality remains an integral part of the country’s trade and competitiveness agenda.
The workshop was organized by ITC’s SheTrades Initiative, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the Secretary of State for Equality under the Support to Regional Integration and Trade in Timor-Leste project, funded by the European Union and implemented by ITC.
TATOLI