PDT Timor-Leste Resumes District Reverification Program

In February 2009 PDT Timor-Leste commenced re-verification in the districts, beginning in Manatuto. As part of a plan to increase the number of rural businesses in the Online Procurement Database, the Verification team is now placing increased focus on the sub-districts. The productive Natabora area in the south of Manatuto district was included in the first Verification district field trip of 2009, with 19 new businesses verified. The primary sectors in which these businesses operate include carpentry (5 businesses), agribusiness (4), supply (5), accommodation and restaurant services (1), clothing (1) and mechanical services (1). Those seeking mechanical services in Natabora are likely to be interested in Oficina Camedar Oan. Started by Mr Florentino Antonio (pictured above) in 2000, this business provides repair and maintenance work for cars, motorcycles, generators, tractors and other machinery. A welding service is also available, including construction (steel-frame) welding.

The details of these 19 Natabora businesses are coming soon to the PDT Timor-Leste Online Procurement Database, located at www.buildingmarkets.org

Peace Dividend Trust Timor-Leste Business Verification and Online Procurement Database activities are supported by AusAID and the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Timor-Leste Celebrates Carnival Again

For the first time in many years, Timor-Leste celebrated Carnival on the weekend, thanks to an initiative supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Commerce and Industry, and the Brazilian Embassy.

Hundreds of people, many in disguise, from various local schools and foreign delegations participated in the event. Everybody braved the afternoon rain to march to the sound of samba music along the beach road from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Government Palace. Peace Dividend Trust Timor-Leste was also present at the party.

PDT Timor-Leste District Business Guide for Aileu

PDT Timor-Leste has just released a new District Business Guide (see above) in Tetun and English for the district of Aileu. This Guide features the details of 30 businesses active in Aileu district in a range of sectors including Agribusiness, Construction Supplies and Services, and General Supplies.

District Business Guides in pdf format can now be downloaded from the PDT Timor-Leste blogspot (http://buylocaltimorleste.blogspot.com/) for the districts of Aileu, Covalima, Manufahi and Viqueque. PDT Timor-Leste expects to release a District Business Guides for the district of Lautem in coming weeks.

PDT Timor-Leste’s business verification and online procurement database program is supported by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and AusAID.

PDT Expands Operations to 3 New Districts

Following the success of its Micro Matchmaking (M3) activities over the past year, Peace Dividend Trust has now expanded its operations to 3 new districts (Viqueque, Manatuto, and Manufahi), with special focus on the productive south coast of the country. Pictured above is M3 Associate Ilidio Ximenes explaining to PDT newcomers the nuts and bolts of matchmaking in the districts.

The Micro Matchmaking team is now on the ground, and able to connect institutional and individual buyers to suppliers and entrepreneurs in 9 districts throughout Timor-Leste. If you are looking for specific goods or services in Baucau, Lautem, Oecusse, Bobonaro, Covalima, Ainaro, Viqueque, Manatuto, or Manufahi, do not hesitate to contact us at timor-leste@pdtglobal.org.

The M3 team is funded by Eni and AusAID.