Dili, 4/12/2024 – From 4 to 6 December, UNDP, in partnership with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MCI), is hosting the Youth Entrepreneurship Expo to empower young entrepreneurs and vitalise the youth-led entrepreneurial ecosystem of Timor-Leste.

The Youth Entrepreneurship Expo, held at Hotel Timor and Dili Port, is co-organized by MCI and UNDP through the Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship Skills (YEES) Project, a joint initiative funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), the Government of Timor-Leste, and UNDP. Over three days, the Expo will create an integrated space to enhance the visibility of young entrepreneurs, foster network development, and increase access to information on business management. Youth-led enterprises, entrepreneurial experts, and key stakeholders from various sectors will convene to bring the event to life.

The Expo offers a unique blend of activities, giving young entrepreneurs the chance to promote their businesses and strengthen their understanding of entrepreneurial strategies. Programmes like the Business Talk Show and Business Information Sharing Session will provide practical insights and actionable solutions to support youth-led MSMEs. Selected promising enterprises will present their business ideas during the Business Branding & Mentoring to seek mentors’ guidance.

Youth Entrepreneurship Co-Creation Session will amplify the voices of young entrepreneurs, connecting them with policymakers. During the Ceremony of Seed Funding Distribution, seed funding will be awarded to 61 participants of the second batch of Entrepreneurship Skills Training, implemented in collaboration with the Instituto de Apoio ao Desenvolvimento Empresarial (IADE). The ensuing Business Innovation Challenge (BIC) Graduation Ceremony will present certificates to 59 participants of the third cohort of BIC, a YEES-supported entrepreneurship activity that offers high-intensity training to help youth refine their business plans.

During her speech at the Opening Ceremony on 4 December, Ms. Adeline Carrier, a.i. Resident Representative of UNDP Timor-Leste, addressed the opportunities the YEES Project creates for young Timorese to develop into successful entrepreneurs. She also underscored the importance of providing inclusive support to youth-led businesses across all municipalities and the Expo’s contribution to this goal.

Reaffirming the enduring partnership between the Republic of Korea and Timor-Leste, Ms. Younhwa Kang, Country Director of KOICA Timor-Leste, extended her gratitude to MCI and UNDP for their collaborative efforts in launching the Expo. Mr. Nino Pereira, H.E. Minister of Commerce and Industry, expressed his hopes that the Expo will showcase the creative ideas, talents, and business spirits of the young Timorese, who are the pivotal drivers of the nation’s economic development,