Oé-Cusse, Timor-Leste (June 30, 2021): On Monday June 28, 2021, the Regional Secretary for Commerce and Industry of RAEOA Mr. Pedro da Cunha B. da Silva formally opened the Oé-Cusse Incubator Business Incubator (OBI) Business Camp in Alfandega, Pante Macassar, Oé-Cusse. The OBI programme was established by RAEOA-ZEESM TL, through the Regional Secretary of Commerce and Industry in partnership with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). The aim of the programme is to foster sustainable livelihoods in Oé-Cusse through small and medium enterprises (SMEs) development, and to build regional capacity to promote an enabling business environment.

The business camp was held as a 2-day workshop, with 102 persons in attendance made up of 46 females and 56 males, and almost 50 per cent of the participants were under the age of 35. This workshop targeted potential and existing entrepreneurs residing in Pante Macassar, Nitibe and Baoknana. A second workshop will be conducted from July 1-2 in Oesilo, for potentials and entrepreneurs from Oesilo and Passabe subregions. 

Participants in the business camps are expected to produce and submit a document with a clear description of their business idea, the potential customers and market being targeted, how the needs of customers will be satisfied, the value that will be added by the business idea, and the reason for choosing the business idea. A panel of experts will select those entrepreneurs with feasible and viable business ideas to participate in a business plan training programme, after which participants should be able to produce a bankable business. Entrepreneurs with good business plans will be awarded with in-kind prizes according to the nature of their businesses.

Also present at the opening were staff from the office of the Regional Secretary of Commerce and Industry, and the representative of UNDP in RAEOA, Ms. Patricia Porras. During her speech to participants Ms. Porras emphasised that this third edition of the OBI intends to catalyse new opportunities to start up, or consolidate, more inclusive businesses in the region that would contribute to sustainable livelihood improvements for the people of Oé-Cusse. 

In his speech at the business camp the Regional Secretary for Commerce and Industry of RAEOA Mr. Pedro da Cunha B. da Silva encouraged participants to engage fully in the training so that they could acquire the requisite skills and knowledge for their businesses.

For further information on the business camp contact Mr. Samuel Poli at samuel.poli@undp.org or 78458334.