Advancing dialogue on just transition and sustainable enterprise development in Timor-Leste: A joint initiative by CCI-TL and ILO

DILI, Timor-Leste (ILO News) - More than 100 representatives from the private sector, business associations and development partners gathered in Dili on 19 May for a national workshop aimed at strengthening Timor-Leste’s readiness for climate and economic transition while advancing sustainable enterprise development and decent work.

Organized by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Timor-Leste (CCI-TL), the Validation Workshop on Just Transition, Business Opportunities, Challenges, and Business Pitching Session provided a platform to discuss how Timorese enterprises can remain competitive amid climate change and regional economic integration, particularly as the country advances toward ASEAN accession.

Held at Hotel Luz Clarita, the workshop also validated the key findings and recommendations of CCI-TL’s draft position paper on Just Transition and Sustainable Enterprise Development.

The event forms part of the ILO’s RBSA intervention in Timor-Leste, Preparing Timor-Leste’s Workers and Policymakers for a Just Transition and the Formal Economy, which supports national efforts to advance just transition, sustainable enterprises, and decent work.

Opening the workshop, Simrin Singh, ILO Country Director for Indonesia and Timor-Leste, highlighted the importance of helping enterprises adapt to changing economic and environmental realities while ensuring that growth remains inclusive.

A Just Transition is about ensuring that environmental sustainability, business development, and decent work advance together. Timor-Leste has important opportunities to build a greener, more resilient, and inclusive economy,

The workshop was officially opened by Hernani Agostinho Soares, Vice President for Economic Development Affairs and Strategic Planning of CCI-TL. He stressed the importance of strengthening partnerships and improving business readiness as Timor-Leste prepares for ASEAN integration and responds to the impacts of climate change on the world of work.

Timor-Leste’s integration into ASEAN, together with the impacts of climate change, presents not only challenges but also important opportunities for innovation, technological advancement and the promotion of decent work.

Throughout the workshop, ILO specialists shared technical insights on just transition, green economic transformation, and enterprise readiness for ASEAN and World Trade Organization (WTO) accession. Discussions focused on how environmental sustainability can create new opportunities for jobs, business growth, and economic resilience.

Fredy Guayacan, ILO Senior Specialist on Environment and Decent Work, emphasized that a just transition is not only an environmental imperative but also an opportunity for economic and social progress.

Presenting on Just Transition in Timor-Leste: Opportunities for Enterprises, Jobs and Sustainable Growth, he highlighted sectors with strong potential for sustainable growth, including renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, fisheries, livestock, and tourism. He also underscored the need for green investment, climate resilience, and stronger support for small and medium-sized enterprises to remain competitive in a changing global economy.

A Just Transition is not only an environmental agenda, but also an economic and social opportunity to build resilient enterprises, create decent jobs and strengthen inclusive growth in Timor-Leste.

The workshop also explored the opportunities and challenges linked to Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN and the WTO. Wade Bromley, ILO Senior Specialist for Employers’ Activities, presented findings from a recent ILO assessment examining business perceptions, institutional readiness, and the implications of regional integration for employers’ organizations.

The assessment identified promising opportunities, including access to regional markets, increased foreign direct investment, and integration into regional and global value chains. At the same time, it revealed significant challenges related to skills, finance, market access, and compliance with international standards.

According to the findings, only one-third of surveyed businesses considered their workforce adequately prepared for ASEAN integration, while just 17 per cent reported full compliance with international trade and labour standards.

The workshop also featured a business pitching session where participating companies showcased their products, services, and practical experiences. The session helped strengthen business networking and foster collaboration among stakeholders. Participating enterprises included Osean Land Timor, ANZ Bank Timor-Leste, Mandiri Bank, Similie Timor-Leste, Caltech Timor-Leste, and Federal Insurance Timor.

The workshop reflects the continued collaboration between the ILO and CCI-TL to support sustainable enterprises, strengthen social dialogue, and promote inclusive economic development in Timor-Leste as the country navigates climate and economic transformation.