Buy and Build. Timor-Leste.

PDM-TL's Project Blog is Changing Locations!

2010-04-19T15:46:00.000+09:00

As of today, Peace Dividend Marketplace Timor-Leste's project blog, www.buylocalbuildtimorleste.blogspot.com, is moving to a new web address - BuildingMarkets.org/blogs/timor. Keep up to speed on the doings of Peace Dividend Trust not only in Timor-Leste, but across the globe, as the site merges project blogs from PDT's other marketplace projects, Afghanistan and Haiti.

Click here to check it out!

"Buy Local. Build Timor-Leste" Marketing Campaign Odds and Ends

2010-04-13T18:06:00.000+09:00

The team at Peace Dividend Marketplace Timor-Leste (PDM-TL) welcomes a new member into its folds as the Marketing Associate, Mr. Miguel Alves. Mr. Alves joined PDT just before Easter and has already been responsible for coordinating various activities that will be seen across Dili in the coming weeks.

Miguel Alves, PDM-TL's new Marketing Associate.

A few weeks ago, a new billboard has been erected in Metiaut, Dili, visible to all those who are traveling from the center of the city out towards Cristo Rei and Areia Branca.

The new "Buy Local. Build Timor-Leste" billboard in Metiaut.

If you're interested in learning a little more about the PDM-TL project, catch Peace Dividend Trust on the local channel TVTL. The program will feature PDT's Deputy Director Ilidio Ximenes as he introduces PDT's activities and engages in a discussion on private sector development with Mrs. Florentina Smith, Director of Industry for the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce and Eduardo Belo Soares, owner of the successful carpentry outfit Bainuaga. It will air next Monday 19 April at 6:30pm, don't miss it!

The "Buy Local. Build Timor-Leste" marketing campaign is made possible by the generous support of the Arsenault Family Foundation.

Entrepreneurial Spirit and Success in Bobonaro District

2010-04-07T17:15:00.000+09:00

Josefina Vicente of Maliana, Bobonaro could be called the quintessential business woman. With an entrepreneurial spirit and $300 in capital, she opened up a small business in 2001, just two years after Timor-Leste voted out their Indonesian occupiers, selling gasoline, cigarettes and clothing racks to the local community. With profits on the rise, she made an investment on a dump truck which entered her company into the construction sector. As her business grew, it began to incorporate water supply and drainage systems into its repertoire of offered services, thus morphing into the company now know as JEDOVIONA. Perhaps the pinnacle of her construction enterprises' success was the win of a Government issued tender valued at $2,660,000 in 2007.

The PDM-TL team now finds Ms. Vicente in Maliana running both JEDOVIONA and Tansos Hotel, a 12 room complex that she created with profits from her 2007 success. In an interview with Matchmaking Associates Ilidio Ximenes and Brigida Soares, Ms. Vicente spoke very highly of the services offered to her two companies by Peace Dividend Trust and expressed her interest in collaborating with PDT in the future. The PDT team in Bobonaro, when approached by international travelers, includes Tansos Hotel on the list of comfortable accommodations in the Maliana area, generating a high level of business for Ms. Vicente. The hotel staffs 8 employees, four men and four women.

Peace Dividend Trust is currently being funded by AusAid, the Canadian Embassy in Indonesia, the Arsenault Family Foundation, and the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Hitting the Waves - "Buy Local. Build Timor-Leste" Takes a Nautical Turn

2010-03-26T14:55:00.000+09:00

"Buy Local. Build Timor-Leste" at sea.

Aside from finishing a total of 102 tiga roda, the painting crew at Creative Sablon interspersed their efforts on land with efforts at sea to deck out the boats moored in Dili Harbor. Organized by Peace Dividend Trust's Matchmaking Associate Brigida Soares, 10 boats are now finely displaying the "Buy Local. Build Timor-Leste" message on their hulls, cabins and sides. Among these boats is the fishing boat Manutasi that weekenders to Atauro will recognize as their return vessel to Dili that braves the short voyage Monday mornings.

The outside view of the cabin of the Manutasi.

Mrs. Soares also had the opportunity to brief local media about the project, raising awareness of the impact purchasing local goods and services in Timor-Leste has on the local economy. Televisaun Timor-Leste (TVTL) featured Mrs. Soares on Friday March 22nd, covering her activities in Dili Harbor and promoting Peace Dividend Trusts' activities in Timor-Leste. Other media outfits that spoke with Mrs. Soares were Televisaun Suara Timor-Leste (TV STL), Diario Nacional, and Radio Televisaun Timor-Leste (RTTL).

Mrs. Soares giving an interview to RTTL.

An interview at the beach with TV STL.

Another interview at the beach with Diario Nacional.

This activity was funded by The Arsenault Family Foundation.

Featured Business Profile - Garcia Farm

2010-03-24T12:27:00.000+09:00

Chicken coops at Garcia Farm in Railaco, Ermera.

At the end of a bumpy and heavily eroding road, across hills, fields and streams, sits the expansive chicken farm Garcia Farm. A few weeks ago, Peace Dividend Trust's Tender Distribution Service Associate Eduardo da Costa recommended to the Verification team that they take the one and a half hour journey to Railaco, Ermera to see the sight for themselves and create a business profile for it on the BuildingMarkets.org Online Procurement Database.

PDT Tender Distribution Service Associate Eduardo da Costa walking the rows of chickens.

With currently 24,000 chickens in the coop, the farm is setting itself up to be the number one supplier of chicken eggs and poultry meat in Timor-Leste. Not to mention it's quite a sight to see. The operation currently employs 21 local laborers, 9 male and 12 female. In addition to these, specialized technicians are flown in from Indonesia every three months to perform the necessary vaccinations and medical treatment needed to keep the chickens healthy.

The Verification team surveys the farm.

The farm has already garnered support from the government, with President Jose Ramos Horta and the Secretary of State for Agriculture and Arboriculture present at the launching ceremony. It has also been invested in by the Indonesian cigarette company, Djarum.

PDT is currently being funded by AusAid and The Arsenault Family Foundation

Announcing New Facebook Fanpage. Peace Dividend Marketplace Timor-Leste

2010-03-18T14:34:00.000+09:00

Peace Dividend Trust is excited to announce the new Facebook fanpage - Peace Dividend Marketplace Timor-Leste!

The Peace Dividend Marketplace Timor-Leste (PDM-TL) is one of Peace Dividend Trust's economic recovery projects. It was launched in Dili in August 2007 with support from the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID). The project also receives funding from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Eni and the Arsenault Family Foundation. In addition to its headquarters in Dili, PDM-TL has field offices in Baucau, Cova Lima and Viqueque. It works in cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism Commerce and Industry.

Contact us: Timor-Leste@pdtglobal.org

Mission: Help inspire long-term economic growth and stability in Timor-Leste by supporting and encouraging local procurement and investment in the Timorese marketplace.

The PDM-TL project provides the following services:

1. A Business portal which offers instant reliable access to over 2,000 local suppliers as well as other useful information about PDM services: via BuildingMarkets.org at http://www.buy-in-timor.org/
2. Business Matchmaking creates linkages between local suppliers and international buyers.
3. Tender Distribution Services collect, translate and disseminate tenders to local suppliers via SMS, email and at our PDM-TL office.
4. Market Information and Advocacy identifies emerging business opportunities and publishes relevant information on the local marketplace via reports and blogs (please see our websites above). Advocacy may include campaigns and other efforts to raise awareness of the important role local procurement can play in bringing long-term peace and stability to Timor-Leste.

This fanpage will replace all other Facebook sites related to the Timor Marketplace project.

Let the Painting Begin!

2010-03-17T16:12:00.003+09:00

The "Buy Local. Build Timor-Leste" stencil.

This morning marked the first day of the painting of approximately 100 tiga roda, or pushcarts, around Dili. Today, stationed in front of UNTL (Universidade Nacional Timor Lorosa'e), across from the country's Parliament, PDT's Verification Assistant Baptista da Silva was busy at work overseeing the collaboration between the painters and tiga roda vendors. As the project continues, the painting team from Creative Sablon will be visiting clusters of tiga roda across the city to paint PDT's logo and slogan on the cart's sides. This effort is aimed at increasing the awareness of the importance of spending money locally in order to promote stability and economic growth in a post-conflict country.

This activity was funded by Arsenault Family Foundation (AFF)

Cattle Exportation: Linking East Timor to West

2010-03-15T15:20:00.001+09:00

Bobonaro cattle ready for exportation.

Peace Dividend Trust Matchmaking (MM) assistants in the district of Bobonaro continue to link Timor-Leste's cattle traders to buyers in West Timor. Recently, the team has connected Mr. Justino Luis, a local Maliana supplier of cattle meat to local restaurants and consumers, to Mr. Ali Fahmi in Atambua, Indonesia. Since the beginning of December, this relationship established by the MM team has already yielded the sale of 52 head of cattle, bringing home $22,115 for this Bobonaro based supplier.

Mr. Fahmi continues to seek assistance from the matchmaking staff who are now looking to other districts to fill larger orders. Already, the team has found in the district of Manatuto 5,000 head of cattle, which through the assistance of MM staff in both districts, will be transported to Bobonaro and then on to Indonesia. Reviving these ties between East and West Timor is one vital step in generating economic activity in Timor-Leste.

If you have any questions about the Matchmaking process please contact Matchmaking Associates Ilidio Ximenes or Brigida Soares at Timor-Leste@pdtglobal.org.

PDT at the time of this transaction was being funded by AusAID and Eni.

PDT Timor. Over 2,500 businesses, and up to 22 million USD in business.

2010-03-09T18:24:00.007+09:00

The Timor-Leste Online Procurement Database surpassed for the first time the 2,500 mark with 2,557 individual businesses featured.

While the Tender Distribution Services program reached the $8 million mark in terms of transactions it facilitated to local enterprises.

In the meantime, the Matchmaking team confirmed the program helped inject over $6 million in the economy of the nine districts in which it operates. Concrete examples of successful transactions facilitated by Peace Dividend Trust can be found here (below) on the PDM-TL project blog.

In summary, total confirmed and estimated transactions

Local procurement transactions created and accelerated by PDT: Total - $22,300,000

In February, the Business Verification team undertook verification and re-verification activities in Dili and in the district of Ermera.

Viqueque Farmers Secure $1,028 in Exchange for Peanuts

2010-03-08T17:42:00.000+09:00

A Raitahu farmer tying off a bag of peanuts before it is transferred to Mr.Mario da Costa.

Back in touch with Mr. Mario da Costa, a Seed Production Officer from the Seeds of Life program, the Viqueque Matchmaking team facilitated a substantial transaction of peanuts in the rural village of Raitahu, Viqueque.

Farmers sorting through a mound of peanuts.

One of the biggest challenges of linking buyers to suppliers in this region is the lack of communication options available; not one of the farmers involved in the transaction owned a telephone. In spite of this, the team was able to locate enough farmers to provide Mr. Mario da Costa with 1,371kgs of peanuts, resulting in a total of $1,028 dollars that directly entered Viqueque's local economy.

Raitahu farmers standing in front of bagged peanuts.

If you have any questions about the matchmaking process or would like assistance in finding local goods and services, please don't hesitate to contact PDM-TL's Matchmaking Associates Ilidio Ximenes or Brigida Soares at Timor-Leste@pdtglobal.org.

PDT's Matchmaking program at the time of this transaction was being funded by AusAid and Eni.

Featured Business - Sao Jose Carpintaria

2010-02-24T18:09:00.000+09:00

Owner Mr. Gagu with his personally crafted product, model Timorese traditional houses.

Located in the small town of Hatolia in the District of Ermera, Mr. Julito Gagu's company Sao Jose Carpintaria supplies the community with carpentry products made from teak wood. However, the normal range of carpentry wares is not all that Mr. Gagu's specializes in assembling; individually constructed models of traditional Timorese houses or uma adat are what makes Gagu's carpentry outfit memorable.

Sao Jose Carpintaria's online profile page on the BuildingMarkets.org Online Procurement Database.

Even though Sao Jose Carpintaria encounters problems faced by many rural business operating in Timor-Leste, such as lack of transport and electricity, the company has already attracted the attention of local buyers. He has been commissioned several times by Hatolia's junior high school to construct model houses to be used as gifts for international donors. An added benefit of collaboration with the school is the assistance in tuition payment that he now receives for his five children.

To learn more of Sao Jose Carpintaria, please visit Peace Dividend Trust's Online Procurement Database, BuildingMarkets.org. To learn more about the Peace Dividend Marketplace - Timor-Leste project, email timor-leste@pdtglobal.org.

Two Tender Wins Creates 26 New Jobs for Medina Construction

2010-02-19T17:11:00.001+09:00

Medina Construction was founded in January of last year and had little experience in applying for tenders. However, after two visits to Peace Dividend Trust's Tender Distribution Service, Mr. Jose Medina was able to successfully apply and win two UNDP contracts worth a collective $53,770.60. Because of the influx in work, Medina Construction hired 26 national laborers to help complete the project; 14 of these stayed on with the company permanently.

Medina Construction team working on the first tender - Kobe Houses for UNDP.

In addition to mainstream construction activities, Mr. Medina, a native of the Philippines, engages his company's resources and time in partnering with a variety local enterprises including Helmi Construction and Hidayat Construction to offer his expertise as an engineering consultant.

Finishing touches being put on the second UNDP tender - a community center in Dili.

If you have any questions about the tendering process in Timor-Leste or would like to receive information about available tenders, do not hesitate to contact the Tender Distribution Services Associate Eduardo Da Costa +670.735.2854.

PDT's Tender Distribution Service is funded by AusAid.

Rural Businesses Advocate "Buy Local, Build Timor-Leste"

2010-02-15T16:45:00.002+09:00

You can see it painted on billboards, advertised in restaurants, lining the sides of cars, motorbikes and trolleys, and positioned in front of PDT's four offices in Baucau, Covalima, Dili and Viqueque. Now Peace Dividend Trust's "Buy Local, Build Timor-Leste" logo and slogan can even be viewed on the walls of private businesses operating in rural regions of Timor-Leste. Joining the campaign to promote local procurement, 18 businesses proudly display the message that encourages spenders in Timor-Leste to purchase locally.

Pictured above in Covalima, Loja Caracol Lda (top) and Guest House Felanna (bottom) offered wall space to feature the display. In addition to Covalima, the logo and slogan can be seen painted on the outsides of businesses in the districts of Lautem, Manatuto, Manufahi and Viqueque.

This activity was funded by Eni.

A $1,460 Deal for Manatuto Soybean Farmer

2010-02-09T15:25:00.000+09:00

With the aid of PDT’s district Matchmaking (MM) team, local Manatuto farmer Abilio Joao Martins was able to find a buyer for 2,921kg of soybeans worth $1,460.50.

Gilberto Amaral, PDT’s Viqueque District Representative, was contacted by a previous client, Mr. Venancio Siqueira Ximenes, who had purchased a large sum of soybeans in Viqueque. Mr. Ximenes, satisfied with his first purchase, sought an additional quantity of soybeans to sell to wholesalers in Dili. Mr. Amaral in turn contacted Matchmaking staff in the district of Manatuto who were able to quickly link Mr. Ximenes with Mr. Martins, despite the fact they had never met face to face before.

Manatuto MM team members Benigno Humberto da Cruz (center) and Fransisco Remedios Quintao (right) with Mr. Abilio Joao Martins.

After the transaction, Mr. Martins expressed his satisfaction with PDT’s Matchmaking system in the districts, citing that its services motivate him to continue to work in the agricultural arena. This particular sale of soybeans has substantially increased both Mr. Martin’s income and standard of living. As a result, his children now have four bicycles to go back and forth from school each day. Currently, PDT’s Matchmaking teams operate in 9 out of the 13 districts of Timor-Leste. For more information about the Matchmaking program, please contact Ilidio Ximenes +670.723.3335 or Brigida Soares +670.729.8264. For addition inquires about PDT's operations in Timor-Leste, please email timor-leste@pdtglobal.org.

PDT’s Matchmaking activities are funded by AusAid.

Success for Rice Farmers in District of Viqueque

2010-02-01T11:23:00.002+09:00

Peace Dividend Trust's Micro Matchmaking Assistants in the district of Viqueque Gilberto Amaral, Antonio do Rosario and Vasco Maria Perreira have worked together over the past four months to secure a large transaction of field rice for Mr. Mario da Costa, a Seed Production Officer from the Seeds of Life program. The PDT Viqueque team utilized their extensive network of local suppliers to find enough rice to fill Mr. da Costa's order of 64,500kg resulting in a transaction worth $32,250 awarded to Viqueque farmers.

In addition to facilitating district based transactions, PDT's Micro Matchmaking team has undergone a bit of restructuring as it has absorbed control of the Dili based Matchmaking program. All services offered by Matchmaking and Micro Matchmaking will continue to run normally, as they are both now under the leadership of the previous Micro Matchmaking Associates Ilidio Ximenes and Brigida Soares.

PDT's Matchmaking and Micro Matchmaking activities are funded by AusAID and Eni.

Featured Business - Centro Bambu Timor-Leste

2010-01-20T16:35:00.002+09:00

Centro Bambu Timor-Leste (CBTL) was founded in 2009 as a group owned carpentry outfit with the innovative approach of using bamboo as the basic working material. With both financial and human resource assistance from the Ministry of Economy and Development and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, CBTL was able to twice send members of the group to India to participate in technical training workshops before its official launch. Currently, the team consists of 18 men and 2 women, all Timorese nationals.

The products range from office tables to flower vases, with a wide assortment in between. To view more detailed contact or product information, visit CBTL’s profile on Peace Dividend Trust’s BuildingMarkets.org online procurement database.

PDT wins Skoll Award

2009-12-16T04:57:00.001+09:00

We have great news. PDT has been awarded one of the 2010 Skoll Awards!

Jeff Skoll, the founder of eBay, created the Skoll Foundation to drive large-scale change by investing in, connecting and celebrating innovators dedicated to solving the world’s most pressing problems. Every year they choose a handful of organizations to receive the prestigious Skoll Awards for Social Entrepreneurship. Winners are selected based on their track-record for success and their potential for large-scale influence on critical challenges of our time.

PDT was selected based on the impact of our procurement marketplace projects in places like Timor-Leste and Afghanistan, and on our potential to drive change and innovation in the wider peace operations aid industry. Winning this award is a huge endorsement, but more importantly it will help us expand our operations and our ability to find and test new ideas for improving the nuts and bolts of peace and humanitarian missions.

Our thanks to our donors, and partners - both national and international.

Scott Gilmore
Executive Director
Peace Dividend Trust

Timor's Future. Buy Local - Build Their Future

2009-12-15T23:35:00.000+09:00

Buy Local Build Timor-Leste at Nicolau Lobato Airport - Dili, Timor-Leste

2009-12-14T19:24:00.001+09:00

PDT Supports Development of a Timorese Venture into Wood/Stone Carving.

2009-12-14T18:16:00.002+09:00

On 12-13 December 2009 PDT faciliated a visit by the owner of Dili based Baniuaga Furniture makers to master carvers in Mas and Singakerta in central Bali. Baniuaga has an interest in developing its employee skills in wood and stone carving. Baniuaga believes that quality wood and stone carvings with Timorese motifs will be a welcome, complimentary and profitable addition to its existing line of furniture products.

You can contact Baniuaga through its website here, or via its unique business profile on BuildingMarkets.org, at this link here.

Featured Business - Energia Bio-Briquette

2009-12-14T11:59:00.000+09:00

Founded by the Haburas Foundation in 2009, Energia Bio-Briquette directly responds to the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries’ recommendation that trees not be cut down and used for cooking fires in an innovative way. In addition to the construction of stoves, 6 local men from the Haburas Foundation that operate Energia Bio-Briquette produce briquettes from recycled materials that can be used as fuel for cooking fires.

Although the business currently operates on a small scale, it is looking for new ways to develop a distribution network, engage the community and promote its bio-friendly products. Haburas also provides training to the local community and members of the cooperatives, teaching how to construct the stoves and briquettes, as well as helping to develop new methods to improve the quality of their products.

Featured Business - Flower Rosas Batik

2009-12-14T11:32:00.001+09:00

Miss Maria Purificacao was a married woman with four children working for the National University of Timor Lorosa’e. To compensate for her limited salary, Ms. Purificacao had the innovative idea to turn her hobby (gardening) into a private enterprise. As a result, Flower Rosas Batik was founded in 1999 and now employs 7 local males.

Through her company, Ms. Purifcacao has gained recognition from the local community, government, and even flower sellers abroad. In 2007, she began importing flowers from Indonesia through her connections and linkages with an Indonesian cooperative; they are now formulating a plan to establish a joint-venture. This year, she was approached by the Secretary of State for Vocation Training and Employment to help raise the local capacity in gardening services. The number of trainees fluctuates anywhere from 10 to 25 people.

PDT’s local procurement database, BuildingMarkets.org, has already brought Flower Rosas Batik extra attention; 10 December 2009, 7 Indonesian travelers (2 government officials and 5 businessmen) visited Ms. Purificacao’s business inquiring how she raises her flowers, constructs the vases, and supplements the soil.

Timor Business Overview Word Cloud

2009-12-11T11:44:00.000+09:00

To check out the full report click here.

Featured Business - Carpintaria Citra Mandiri, Ermera

2009-12-07T16:51:00.001+09:00

On 19 November 2009 PDT's Business Verification Team discovered a new business named Carpintaria Citra Mandiri (Profile found here) in Ermera district. Recently established this business owned by Ms. Leonica Trindade and makes a range of furniture products.

Baptista Da Silva of PDT takes information from Ms. Trindade, owner of Carpintaria Citra Mandiri

An Indonesian craftsman assiting in training Timorese staff.

Interestingly this business has started a new development program in partnership with the Ministry of Economy and Development, providing carpentry training to local youths interested in the trade. The Ministry has allocated Ms. Leoncia support funds to build a training facility which upon its completion will provide a training ground for their 10 current apprentices. Currently, in addition to the trainees, the enterprise employs 5 national workers, one of which is female, and 5 international males.

$18,750 of Viqueque Soybeans

2009-12-04T16:00:00.000+09:00

In September 2009 PDT's Micromatchmaking (M3) Team in Viqueque District in eastern Timor-Leste were influential in assisting a local farmer make a large business transaction for much of his soybean crop.

PDT M3 staff Vasco M Ferreira and Antonio do Rosario assisted Mr. Alcino Soares in locating a buyer named Venancio Sequeira for his soybeans. After making the connection between buyer and supplier 25 tonnes of soybeans worth $18,750 were purchased in Luka Viqueque for sale in Dili. Mr. Sequeira is a middle man, buying from farmers and selling to wholesalers in Dili. Mr. Sequeira is exploring the development of a customer base in Surabaya, Indonesia.

Viqueque Snake Fruit - Salak Midar Teb-Tebes

2009-12-04T15:18:00.002+09:00

Interested in buying some Snake Fruit fruit?

This fruit, often known by its Indonesian name Salak, comes in both sour and sweet varieties. The Business Verification and Micro Matchmaking Teams have located the Bairo Zalacca business in Viqueque which sells Salak in addition to a range of seedlings and other agricultural products.

According to PDT staff in the field, this Salak is of the sweet variety. Contact Bairo Zalacca or PDT at timor-leste[at]pdtglobal.org for more details.

Musing on New Funding

2009-12-03T00:09:00.003+09:00

PDT's Edward Rees is tired after a 1 week long, but very necessary, and valuable, AusAID Evaluation.

Timorese Cattle - a domestic product for an international market.

2009-11-21T14:07:00.003+09:00

Peace Dividend Trust's (PDT) Micro Matchmaking (M3) rural business development and facilitation team has been working on facilitating the sale of Timorese cattle to Indonesian buyers for nearly two years. This is a business activity which has a long history over the past decades as Indonesian appetites for "beef on the hoof" have expanded with its population growth. However recent events have broken down communication links both inside and outside the country. PDT is working hard to restore these links and promote business across the rural districts of Timor-Leste. An increase in business correlates to job creation and wealth generation.

Since 2008 PDT has been assisting the owner of Suai based RAFLIMA (Tafara) Cattle, Mr. Rosito Manek, to source cattle for an Atambua (West Timor, Indonesia) based buyer (Alowisius Lay, owner of UD Pratama in Atambua). PDT has also been assisting in sourcing cattle from Mr. Casmiro Fernando, a Bobonaro supplier. To view RAFLIMA's BuildingMarkets.org profile click here.

PDT Cova Lima has facilitated the sale of 680 head of cattle from local ranchers to Mr. Manek with an estimated value of $185,150. Mr. Manek then exports the cattle to UD Pratama in Indonesia. This month (November 2009), Mr. Manek has 300 more cows available to sell to Atambua, but is awaiting a new license to export from the government of Timor-Leste.

Meanwhile PDT Bobonaro has facilitated the sale of 350 head of cattle from local ranchers to Mr. Fernando with an estimated value of $70,955. Mr. Fernando then exports the cattle to UD Pratama in Atambua. See below for Bobonaro cattle ready for sale.

Mr. Manek and Mr. Fernando were already exporting cows to Atambua but wanted to export on a larger scale. PDT M3 teams in Covalima and Bobonaro assisted the two middlemen in locating and purchasing cattle across their respective districts, resulting in a marked increase in sales and a cash injection into rural Timor-Leste.

RAFLIMA has a website as well -

For more information contact Ilidio da Costa Ximenes via iximenes[at]pdtglobal.org or timor-leste[at]pdtglobal.org

PDT Micro Matching activities are funded by AusAID and Eni.

Timor Business

2009-11-21T10:38:00.000+09:00

Slick new page for Timor-Leste Business Overview.

UNMIT Procurement Plans: $54 million USD in 2009 and 2010

2009-11-17T15:26:00.002+09:00

The United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) Procurement Acquisition Plan is now public and online.

This Acquisition Plan details how UNMIT intends to purchase over 55 million USD in goods and services in Timor-Leste. You can download a pdf copy here.

if you are interested in competing for any of the tenders for provision of these goods and services you need to register with the United Nations Procurement Division Supplier Database. The instructions (in English only) are found this website.

More assistance can be reached via here:

Peace Dividend Trust Launches a Report on the Nuts and Bolts of Businesses in Timor-Leste.

2009-11-16T19:13:00.003+09:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dili, Timor-Leste, 16 November 2009

This Timor-Leste Business Community Overview is Part One of a two part series. The report is intended to provide a general overview of the private sector in Timor-Leste and the findings are intended to improve both knowledge of and access to domestic businesses. Part Two will examine the national job landscape.

The assessments in this report are derived from the database of businesses developed by Peace Dividend Trust (PDT) and its Peace Dividend Marketplace Timor-Leste (PDM-TL) project. This database was funded by AusAID and the Government of Norway and built in partnership with the Timor-Leste Ministry of Tourism, Commerce and Industry (MTCI).

The project is designed to 1) increase the capacity of the private sector 2) create jobs and 3) generate wealth by connecting individual and institutional buyers and the domestic private sector in Timor-Leste. For more information about the project please see the PDT website here.

PDM-TL staff collected the information profiled in this report between 1 November 2007 and 30 September 2009. During this period, a total of 2,384 businesses were surveyed. Individual profiles of each business can be found on the PDM-TL Online Procurement Database located at BuildingMarkets.org

To download the report click here or visit PDT's webpage to access the report.

In the report you will find out information relating to:

The geographic distribution of businesses across all 13 districts of Timor-Leste.
The types of business activity pursued by the domestic private sector.
The "age" of the business community.
The size of the surveyed businesses.
The communications systems used by businesses.
The ownership and management of businesses.
And much more.....

If you are a business owner/manager in Timor-Leste and you find that your business is not listed, along with the other 2,400 businesses, on the PDM-TL Online Procurement Database located at BuildingMarkets.org please contact PDT via timor-leste[at]pdtglobal.org to get a unique online business profile and increase your visibility and access to buyers both inside and outside Timor-Leste.

Tetun Version

ATU PUBLIKA LALAIS

Dili, Timor-Leste, 16 Novembru 2009

Pérfil Komunidade Negósiu Timor-Leste nian ida-ne’e nu’udár Parte Ida husi série ida ne’ebé fahe ba parte rua. Relatóriu ne’e ho intensaun atu fó informasaun jerál ida kona-bá sektór privadu iha Timor-Leste no rezultadu sira-ne’e ho intensaun atu hadi’a koñesimentu kona-bá no mós asesu ba iha negósiu doméstika sira. Parte Rua nian sei ezamina kona-bá senáriu serbisu nasionál nian.

Avaliasaun sira ne’ebé iha relatóriu ida-ne’e nia laran foti husi baze de dadus kona-bá negósiu sira ne’ebé dezenvolve husi Peace Dividend Trust (PDT) no mós ninia projetu Merkadu Peace Dividend Timor-Leste (Peace Dividend Marketplace Timor-Leste (PDM-TL)). Baze de dadus ida-ne’e finansia husi AusAID no Governu Norvega nian no estabelese parseria ho Timor-Leste nia Ministériu Turizmu, Komérsiu no Indústria (MTCI).

Projetu ne’e dezeña atu 1) aumenta kapasidade sektór privadu nian 2) kria serbisu sira no 3) prodúz rikeza hodi halo ligasaun entre sosa-nain individuál no institusionál sira ho sektór privadu doméstika sira iha Timor-Leste. Atu hetan informasaun liután kona-bá projetu ne’e favór haree website PDT nian iha ne’e.

Pesoál PDM-TL nian halibur informasaun sira ne’ebé aprezenta ona iha relatóriu ida-ne’e nia laran entre loron 1 Novembru 2007 no 30 Setembru 2009. Durante períodu ida-ne’e, iha totál negósiu hamutuk 2,384 mak pekiza ona. Bele hetan pérfil individuál husi negósiu sira-ne’e ida-idak iha PDM-TL nia Baze de Dadus Aprovizionamentu Online nian ne’ebé bele haree iha BuildingMarkets.org

Atu download relatóriu ne’e klik iha ne’e ka bele vizita PDT nia pájinaweb nian atu bele asesu ba relatóriu ne’e.

Iha relatóriu ne’e nia laran ita boot sira bele hetan informasaun kona-bá:

1. Distribuisaun jeográfiku husi negósiu sira iha Timor-Leste nia distritu 13 hotu.

2. Tipu husi atividade negósiu nian sira ne’ebé hala’o husi sektór privadu doméstika nian sira.

3. "Idade" husi komunidade negósiu nian.

4. Númeru husi negósiu sira ne’ebé peskiza ona.

5. Sistema komunikasaun nian sira ne’ebé negósiu sira-ne’e uza.

6. Propriedade no jestaun ba negósiu sira.

7. No barak liután.....

Se karik ita boot nu’udár na’in/jerente husi negósiu ida iha Timor-Leste no ita boot haree katak ita boot nia negósiu seidauk tama iha lista, hamutuk ho negósiu 2,400 sira seluk, iha PSM-TL nia Baze de Dadus Aprovizionamentu Online nian ne’ebé bele haree iha BuildingMarkets.org favór kontaktu PDT liuhusi timor-leste[at]pdtglobal.org atu hetan pérfil online negósiu nian ida ne’ebé úniku no aumenta.

PDT Timor-Leste and its Growing Web Presence.

2009-11-16T17:04:00.002+09:00

A. The Timor-Leste Online Procurement Database (soon to be known as Timor-Leste Business Portal)

www.buy-in-timor.org

Between its launch on 20 May 2008 and 5 November 2009 (17 months) this website has had 73,144 hits (or unique pageviews) which have occurred as a result of 13,949 visits conducted by 5,623 unique visitors. The vast majority of visits are performed by persons in 1) Timor-Leste 2) Australia 3) Indonesia and 4) Singapore.

B. The Timor-Leste Jobs Blog

http://serbisu-buylocaltimorleste.blogspot.com

Between its launch on 10 October 2008 and 5 November 2009 (13 months) this website has had 141,611 hits (or unique pageviews) which have occurred as a result of 6,447 visits conducted by 9,755 unique visitors. The vast majority of visits are performed by persons in 1) Timor-Leste and 2) Indonesia.

C. The Timor-Leste Tenders Blog

http://tender-buylocaltimorleste.blogspot.com

Between its launch on 10 October 2008 and 5 November 2009 (13 months) this website has had 18,380 hits (or unique pageviews) which have occurred as a result of 39,288 visits conducted by 2,821 unique visitors. The vast majority of visits are performed by persons in 1) Timor-Leste, 2) Australia, 3) Hong Kong, 4) United States, and 5) Indonesia.

D. The PDM-TL Project Blog

http://buylocaltimorleste.blogspot.com/

Between its launch on 10 October 2008 and 5 November 2009 (13 months) this website has had 10,253 hits (or unique pageviews) which have occurred as a result of 5,896 visits conducted by 3,879 unique visitors. The vast majority of visits are performed by persons in 1) Timor-Leste, 2) Australia, 3) Hong Kong, 4) United States, 5) Singapore and 6) Indonesia.

E. The Timor-Leste Accommodation Blog

http://aluga-uma-timor.blogspot.com/

Between its launch on 10 October 2008 and 5 November 2009 (13 months) this website has had 8,669 hits (or unique pageviews) which have occurred as a result of 3,546 visits conducted by 2,109 unique visitors. The vast majority of visits are performed by persons in 1) Timor-Leste, 2) Australia, 3) Hong Kong, 4) United States, 5) Singapore and 6) Indonesia.

Atauro Day - A Chance to Support Local Commerce

2009-11-11T15:56:00.000+09:00

Journey over to Atauro Island on Saturday the 14th of November to partake in "Atauro Day", an opportunity to appreciate and celebrate the local culture, as well as to help build the island's budding tourism market. The event provides members of the local community a chance to join together to promote the island and advertise their local wares. In attendance will be President Ramos-Horta, who noted that the day, "is a magnificent event as you get the best of both worlds - you are helping to support rural livelihoods while experiencing the fantastic natural environment of Timor-Leste."

This event is held on the second Saturday of every month during dry season. For more information, click on the press release below. To check out a current list of businesses on Atauro Island, search BuildingMarkets.org, a procurement database run by Peace Dividend Trust.

Tempo Semanal Publishes PDT SMS Story

2009-11-09T17:22:00.004+09:00

On the 3rd of November, Tempo Semanal published a Tetun translation of Sara Moreira's article describing PDT's (Peace Dividend Trust) unique usage of SMS messaging to promote local procurement in post-conflict countries. Mobile technology is proving to be a reliable, feasible method for disseminating information to even the most rural communities of Timor-Leste. To view the translation, click on the images below. To see the article in its original form, click here.

Atauro's Manu-Koko Makes the Cover of the Jakarta Globe!

2009-11-09T12:32:00.005+09:00

In April 2008, Peace Dividend Trust assisted Antonio Saldanha a wood carver from Atauro in setting a web platform via blogger.com in order to be able to market his carvings. This site for his firm Manu-Koko can be found here.

Showing the power of the internet this site assisted in launching Manu Koko onto the front cover of the Jakarta Globe, rebellious challenger to the Jakarta Post's position of leading English language media in Indonesia.

See below for the front page and the story in which Manu-Koko's photo is prominently displayed.

You can read all about Manu-Koko on Peace Dividend Trust's Building Markets Business Portal via this link, where you will also find details about 2,500 other businesses and their goods and services in Timor-Leste.

Buy Local with SMS - English, Tetum and Bahasa Indonesia Translations

2009-11-04T09:06:00.015+09:00

Buy Local With SMS: Connecting Suppliers with Humanitarian Operations in East Timor and Afghanistan

Post Date 10.21.09
Author Sara Moreira

East Timor is studded with international organizations that are focusing on the country’s reconstruction and development. East Timor’s two-decade-long independence struggle against Indonesia resulted in the country’s independence in 1999. However, after that independence referendum, Indonesian militias destroyed 80% of the infrastructure from which the country is still recovering today.

Thousand of international aid workers move to the country every year but one must wonder how much they consume locally. It is not uncommon when visiting a foreigner’s house in Dili to find furniture made by big international chains, or a refrigerator full of food from Australia, Argentina and the US. Meanwhile, 49% of the Timorese citizens live on 80 cents a day. It is possible to connect the markets – supply and demand – better? Are there technologies, such as SMS, that can be used to connect local producers with this market?

That is the goal of Peace Dividend Trust (PDT), an organization founded in 2004 that works on making peace and humanitarian operations more efficient, effective and equitable through its innovative approaches.

Scott Gilmore, the founder of the Trust, used to work for the UN's Transitional Administration in East Timor in 2001. There he experienced hands-on the challenges of re-development. He and his colleagues noticed, for instance, that international aid and peacekeepers were often extremely slow to get going, resulting in setbacks that were largely due to small and fixable management problems; or, that administrative delays procuring something as simple as license plates for UN jeeps hindered the deployment of peacekeepers into the conflict zone.

But one issue in particular caught Scott’s attention. A key issue in East Timor, as in most countries recovering from conflict, is the significant level of unemployment. And in this case, despite multiple assessment missions, almost no donor money had been disbursed to support job creation or economic recovery more broadly.

Recent reports note that even seven years after the first independent Government was elected, East Timor receives one of the highest amounts aid of aid per capita in the world. And yet, even though bilateral and multilateral agencies spent approximately $5,200 million U.S. dollars between 1999 and 2009 on programs related to East Timor, Timorese people are still poor. Individuals and organizations have begun to question the real impact of such donors’ injection of money in the development of local economy.

At the same time, Gillmore watched as his Timorese landlord used his monthly rent to refurbish minibuses burnt in the conflict. By the time the aid money had arrived, Scott’s landlord was the biggest employer in the neighbourhood, providing bus services across the country. This was striking, and led to an obvious question - what if international agencies procured more goods locally so that entrepreneurs like his landlord could quickly find the capital needed to rebuild their economy?

Edward Rees, PDT’s Senior Advisor in East Timor, explains,

We can help the peace operation better communicate with "local" communities in their own language. We can target information to specific groups. It has economic, citizen participation, security, political, social, and development applications. The range is huge. A lot of these technologies are already used in developing countries, but very few - if any - are used in post conflict countries - that is where we come in. We are an organisation that works on these issues in the critical 5-10 period after conflict when most people are thinking emergency - we are thinking long term and new.

Word of mouth: BUY LOCAL

PDT promotes projects aimed at creating jobs and business opportunities through increased local procurement in countries experiencing or recovering from conflict.

This is particularly challenging in East Timor where the violence and destruction that followed the referendum in 1999 devastated 80% of social and communication infrastructures. When the country became the first new nation of the 21st century, it had almost no technological environment. Believing that in order to build a national economy, international buyers must be addressed, PDT provides market information through its Building Markets database.

The Procurement Database allows a user to search through thousands of different businesses categories organized by region to find information about each formal business, the type of activity, services and products available, contacts, references and other useful information. Edward Rees notes:

We do what no one else in the world does. We conduct business verification. We ask local businesses 35 questions, and put the answers online, in an organized, transparent, accessible, and searchable manner. The survey forms are manually re-verified by phone and SMS, and then the information is uploaded. Businesses are manually re-verified every 6 to 12 months. This community of business people is the hope for the future in post-conflict states when it comes to solving the unemployment issue, and yet to the best of my knowledge no one but us asks the questions we do, and transmits it to the World Wide Web.

PDT also operates and supervises so-called Tender Distribution Points in its marketplace offices. Tender Distribution Points, which are open to the public, offer access to current tenders from international organizations, private business, government line ministries and military organizations.

Mobile Tech at Scale from Afghanistan to East Timor

Mobile technology, mostly via SMS, plays an important role in the management and administration of staff and allows for broadcasting alerts to local businesses in even the most isolated areas.

In the first Marketplace project in Afghanistan where PDT also operates, the organization explored the use of SMS messaging using its procurement database. The extensive roster of local businesses were sent specific messages announcing new international tenders as they are received.

A new platform is currently being tested in Afghanistan for sending bulk SMS for tender alerts. Anne Wilson, PDT's IT Manager, says:

PDT is using the Clickatell Bulk SMS Gateway combined with their PHP API. This API is connected to a customized Drupal installation which is the backbone to the Afghanistan Online Procurement Directory. Suppliers can to indicate to the verification team whether they wish to receive tender notifications via Email or SMS. As tenders come into the PDT office in Afghanistan we use a web interface to send out alerts about new tenders.

Tenders notifications are sent out based on different supplier sectors (for exacmple in construction where Civil Engineer Tenders only go to suppliers who have been identified as being able to provide engineering services). The tenders can also be targeted based on the location of the supplier and location in which the tender is to be carried out.

Mobile technology also plays an important role in the PDT work in Timor. PDT trains local agents for helping individual and institutional buyers’ source goods and services from local suppliers. These staff communicate their activities and results to the Head Office on a daily basis using coded SMS which then replies giving ideas, contacts and whatever the field need via SMS.

PDT uses Nokia PC Suite for managing staff SMS. Rees explains how Nokia PC Suite was chosen:

I owned a Nokia and installed the PC Suite and discovered how to manage my phone better. So I thought - so should the staff. It allows people to cut and paste SMS messages for reporting purposes. I tried FrontlineSMS as well, but could not make it work.

Although the staff is equipped with mini computers and Open Office for their work, the use of SMS has proven to be more advantageous since it allows the organization to save both time and money in phone calls and field trips. The use of SMS also allows getting around the Internet gap in the districts while not depending on web based platforms. But because of Internet costs and bandwidth, the organization can not take full advantage of SMS – namely PDT cannot automatically integrate SMS and web based platforms in order to manage the exchanged information. There is still too much time being spent on manually uploading information to their databases. Says Rees,

Currently our use of SMS [in East Timor] is limited seeing as we have a TT [Timor Telecom] obstacle, paying 1200USD/month for a 128kbps broadband connection shared by 15 terminals.

Despite the considerable challenges, PDT believes in the power of using mobile technologies for other purposes such as to populate databases with telephone numbers and associated demographic information that would allow for sending messages to specific segments of their constituencies. This would enable PDT to provide a multitude of new SMS services to both the peacekeeping and humanitarian communities, including announcements to specific groups, and security updates.

Possibilities are huge and the projects are expected to expand. PDT even considers providing donated mobile phones to ensure the greatest possible membership. Rees expresses the enthusiasm,

By providing income and job opportunities, local procurement contributes to prosperity and therefore stability. Our verification team used to have to seek out businesses - now businesses seek us out. The Government uses our services as well as international buyers. We have become the go-to people for this kind of market information. It is a big claim but it is true. We own the territory. We could do it a lot better, but given funding and technology constraints we are hamstrung. But SMS done in a really good way gives this a huge boost.

Sosa iha Rai-Laran Liuhusi SMS: Hatutan Fornesidór sira ho Operasaun Umanitária nian sira iha Timor-Leste no Afeganistaun

Data Publikasaun 10.21.09
Autór Sara Moreira

Timor-Leste nakonu ho organizasaun internasionál sira ne’ebé foka ba rekonstrusaun no dezenvolvimentu nasaun ne’e nian. Timor-Leste nia luta naruk dekáda rua ba independénsia hasoru Indonesia rezulta iha nasaun ne’e nia independénsia iha tinan 1999. Maibé, depois de referendu ba indepenénsia nian, Indonézia nia milísia sira estraga 80% husi infraestrutura ne’ebé daudaun nasaun ida-ne’e sei rekupera hela.

Serbisu-na’in ajudu internasionál nian rihun mak muda mai iha nasaun ne’e iha tinan-tinan maibé ema tenke husu tuir kona-bá hira mak sira konsume iha rai-laran. Lá’os inkomún beinhira vizita ba ema estranjeiru ida nia uma iha Dili atu hetan mobília ne’ebé halo husi rede internasionál boot sira, ka jeleira ida ne’ebé nakonu ho hahán sira husi Australia, Arjentina no EU. Entretantu, 49% husi sidadaun Timor nian mak moris ho osan sentavu 80 iha loron ida. Karik posível atu liga merkadu sira – oferta no prokura – di’ak liután? Karik iha teknolojia sira, hanesan SMS, ne’ebé mak bele uza hodi liga produtór lokál sira ho merkadu ida-ne’e?

Ne’e mak alvu husi Peace Dividend Trust (PDT) nian, organizasaun ida ne’ebé funda iha tinan 2004 ne’ebé serbisu hodi halo operasaun sira pás no umanitária nian sai efisiente, efikás no razoável liután liuhusi ninia estratejia sira ne’ebé inovativu.

Scott Gilmore, fundadór husi Fundasaun (Trust) ne’e, uluk serbisu ba ONU nia Administrasaun Tranzitóriu iha Timor-Leste iha tinan 2001. Iha ne’ebá nia hetan esperíensia prátika kona-bá dezafiu sira ba dezenvolvimentu hikas nian. Nia ho nia kolega sira nota, pur ezemplu, katak ajudu internasionál no pesoál manutensaun pás nian dala barak book an neineik tebetebes, rezulta iha kontratempu sira ne’ebé boot tanba problema jestaun nian sira ne’ebé ki’ik no bele hadi’a; ka, demora administrativu nian hodi buka buat ruma ne’ebé simplés tebes hanesan xapa (plaka) identifikasaun ba ONU nia kareta sira retarda kolokasaun pesoál manutensaun pás nian ba iha zona konflitu nian.

Maibé iha problema ida mak partikularmente hola Scott nia atensaun. Problema xave ida iha Timor-Leste, hanesan iha nasaun barabarak ne’ebé foin rekupera husi konflitu, ne’e mak nível signifikativu husi dezempregu nian. No iha kazu ida-ne’e, apezárde misaun avaliasaun múltiplu nian sira, kuaze laiha doadór nia osan ruma mak gasta hodi suporta liután kriasaun serbisu nian ka rekuperasaun ekónomiku nian.

Relatóriu atuál nian nota katak maski tinan hitu depois de Governu independente ba dala-uluk nian eleitu, Timor-Leste sei nafatin nu’udár nasaun ida ne’ebé simu montante aas liu hotu husi ajudu per kápita iha mundu. Nu entantu, maski ajénsia bilaterál no multilaterál nian sira gasta ona aprosimadamente Dolares Amerikanu millaun $5,200 entre tinan 1999 no 2009 nian ba programa sira ne’ebé relasionadu ho Timor-Leste, maibé Timoroan sira sei moris kiak nafatin. Indivíduu no organizasaun sira hahú kestiona kona-bá impaktu reál husi injesaun osan doadór sira nian ba iha dezenvolvimentu ekonomia lokál nian.

Iha tempu hanesan, Gillmore haree bainhira ninia uma-na’in Timoroan uza nia osan alugér fulafulan nian hodi hadi’a mikro-ónibus sira ne’ebé ema sunu iha konflitu laran. Iha tempu ne’ebé mak osan ajudu nian to’o mai ona, Scott nia uma-na’in mak nu’udár empregadór ida ne’ebé boot liu iha bairru laran, fornese servisu maxibombu (bís) nian iha rai-laran. Ida-ne’e impresionante, no hamosu pergunta ida ne’ebé evidente – oinsá se karik ajénsia internasionál sira sosa sasan barakliu lokálmente hodi nune’e emprezáriu sira hanesan ninia uma-na’in ne’e bele hetan lalais kapitál ne’ebé presiza atu harii fali sira nia ekonomia?

Edward Rees, PDT nia Asesór Superiór iha Timor-Leste, esplika,

Ami bele ajuda operasaun pás nian di’ak liután hodi komunika ho komunidade “lokál” sira iha sira nia lian rasik. Ami bele aponta informasaun ba grupu espesífiku sira. Ida-ne’e iha rekezitu sira ekonómiku, partisipasaun sidadaun, seguransa, polítika, sosiál no dezenvolvimentu nian. Nia alkanse boot tebes. Teknolojia sira-ne’e barak mak uza ona iha nasaun sira ne’ebé iha dezenvolvimentu, maibé uitoan tebes – se karik iha – mak uza iha nasaun sira pós konflitu nian – iha ne’ebé mak ami tama. Ami nu’udár organizasaun ida ne’ebé serbisu iha asuntu sira-ne’e iha períodu krítiku 5-10 depois de konflitu bainhira ema barak hanoin kona-bá emerjénsia – ami hanoin kona-bá prazu naruk no foun.

Liafuan husi ibun: SOSA IHA RAI-LARAN

PDT promove projetu sira ne’ebé iha meta atu kria serbisu no oportunidade negósiu nian liuhusi aumentu iha aprovizionamentu lokál iha nasaun sira ne’ebé iha esperiénsia ka rekupera husi konflitu.

Ida-ne’e partikularmente dezafia tebes iha Timor-Leste ne’ebé mak violénsia no destruisaun ne’ebé akontese depois de referendu iha tinan 1999 nian estraga ona 80% husi infraestrutura sira sosiál no komunikasaun nian. Bainhira nasaun ne’e sai nu’udár nasaun ba dala-uluk iha sékulu 21 nian, nia kuaze ke laiha ambiente teknolójiku nian. Ho fiar katak atu bele harii ekonomia nasionál nian ida, tenke hasé sosa-na’in internasionál sira, PDT fornese informasaun merkadu nian liu husi ninia baze de dadus Harii Merkadu/ Building Markets nian.

Baze de Dadus Aprovizionamentu nian permite uzuáriu ida atu buka hatene kategoria diferente husi negósiu rihun ba rihun ne’ebé organizadu tuir rejiaun hodi buka informasaun kona-bá negósiu formál ida-idak, tipu atividade nian, servisu no produtu sira ne’ebé disponível, kontaktu sira, referénsia no informasaun útil sira seluk. Edward Rees nota:

Ami halo buat ne’ebé mak ema seluk iha mundu ne’e la halo. Ami hala’o verifikasaun negósiu nian. Ami husu pergunta 35 ba negósiu lokál sira, no tau nia resposta sira iha online, iha maneira ida ne’ebé organizadu, transparente, asesível, no peskizável (bele buka). Formuláriu sira peskiza nian ne’e re-verifika manualmente liuhusi telefone no SMS, no hafoin informasaun ne’e transfere ba iha liña online. Negósiu sira-ne’e re-verifika manualmente iha fulan 6 to 12 ida-idak. Komunidade negosiante nian sira-ne’e mak nu’udár esperansa ba aban-bainrua nian iha estadu sira pós-konflitu nian bainhira ida-ne’e atu rezolve problema sira dezempregu nian, nu entantu tuir buat ne’ebé hau hatene laiha ema seluk maibé ami deit mak husu pergunta sira ne’ebé ami halo ne’e, no transmite ba iha World Wide Web.

PDT mós funsiona no superviziona buat ne’ebé bolu naran Pontu Distribuisaun Proposta nian iha nia ekritóriu sira iha merkadu nian. Pontu Distribuisaun Proposta nian, ne’ebé nakloke ba públiku, oferese asesu ba proposta atuál sira husi organizasaun internasionál, negósiu privadu, governu nia liña ministerial sira no mós organizasaun militár nian sira.

Teknolojia telemóvel iha eskala husi Afeganistaun to’o Timor-Leste

Teknolojia telemóvel nian, barakliu liuhusi SMS, hala’o knaar importante ida iha jestaun no administrasaun funsionáriu sira no permite alerta sira transmisaun nian ba negósiu lokál sira maski iha área sira ne’ebé izoladu liu hotu.

Iha projetu Merkadu ba dala-uluk nian iha Afeganistaun iha ne’ebé mak PDT mós hala’o ninia operasaun, organizasaun ne’e esplora uzu husi mensajen SMS nian ne’ebé uza iha ninia baze de dadus aprovizionamentu nian. Lista estensiva husi negósiu lokál nian sira-ne’e haruka mensajen espesífiku sira hodi anunsia proposta internasionál foun sira bainhira simu proposta sira-ne’e.

Daudauk ne’e koko hela plataforma foun ida iha Afeganistaun hodi haruka SMS ho volume boot (bulk SMS) ba alerta proposta nian sira. Anne Wilson, PDT nia Jerente TI nian, hatete:

PDT uza hela Portaun SMS Volume boot Clickatell (Clickatell Bulk SMS Gateway) ne’ebé kombina ho sira nia PHP API. API ida-ne’e ligadu ba estalasaun Drupal feitu ida ne’ebé nu’udár baze ba Lista Aprovizionamentu Online Afeganistaun nian (Afghanistan Online Procurement Directory). Fornesidór sira bele hatudu (fó hatene) ba ekipa verifikasaun nian karik sira hakarak atu simu notifikasaun proposta nian sira liuhusi Email ka SMS. Bainhira proposta sira ne’e tama mai iha PDT nia gabinete iha Afeganistaun ami uza aparellu ligasaun rede (web interface) nian ida atu emite alerta kona-bá proposta foun sira.

Notifikasaun proposta nian sira-ne’e emite bazeia ba sektór diferente husi fornesidór sira (pur ezemplu iha konstrusaun ne’ebé mak Proposta sira Enjeñeiru Sivíl nian ne’e haruka deit ba iha fornsidór sira ne’ebé identifikadu ona katak bele fornese servisu sira enjeñaria sivíl nian). Proposta sira ne’e mós bele aponta bazeia ba fornsesidór sira nia lokál no mós iha fatin ne’ebé mak proposta ne’e sei hala’o (implementa).

Teknolojia telemóvel nian ne’e mós hala’o knaar importante ida iha PDT nia serbisu iha Timor-Leste. PDT fó formasaun ba ajente lokál sira hodi ajuda sosa-na’in indivíduu no institusionál sira atu hetan sasan no servisu husi fornesidór lokál sira. Pesoál sira-ne’e komunika sira atividade no rezultadu sira ba iha Edifísiu Sentrál iha baze loroloron nian hodi uza SMS kodifikadu ne’ebé mak responde hodi fó ideia sira, kontaktu no saida deit mak pesoál kampu nian presiza liuhusi SMS.

PDT uza Nokia PC Suite hodi jere funsionáriu nia SMS. Rees esplika kona-bá oinsá mak hili Nokia PC Suite ne’e:

Hau iha telemóvel Nokia ida no hau instala PC Suite no deskobre oinsá atu jere hau nia telefone di’ak liután. Nune’e hau hanoin – funsionáriu sira mós tenke hanesan ne’e. Nia permite ema atu bele korta no insera (cut and paste) mensajen sira SMS nian ba finalidade relatóriu nian. Hau mós koko FrontlineSMS, maibé labele halo nia funsiona.

Maski funsionáriu sira ekipada ho komputadór mini no Open Office ba sira nia serbisu, uzu SMS nian prova ona katak fó liu vantajen tanba nia permite organizasaun atu poupa tempu no osan iha xamada telefone no viajen kampu nian. Uzu SMS nian mós permite atu bele prenxe lakuna Internet nian iha distritu sira maibé la depende ba plataforma sira ne’ebé bazeia ba rede. Maibé tanba Internet nia folin no nia largura faixa (bandwidth), organizasaun labele hetan vantajen tomak husi SMS nian – nomeadamente PDT labele automátikamente integra SMS no plataforma sira bazeia ba rede nian hodi bele jere informasaun ne’ebé troka ona. Sei iha tempu barak tebes ne’ebé mak gasta ba informasaun ne’eb’e transfere manualmente ba iha sira nia baze de dadus. Rees hatete,

Daudaun ne’e ami nia uzu ba SMS (iha Timor-Leste) konsidera limitadu tanba ami iha obstákulu ida ho TT [Timor Telecom], selu 1200USD fulan ida ba ligasaun faixa larga 128kbps ne’ebé fahe ba terminal 15.

Apezárde dezafiu konsiderável sira, PDT fiar ba iha podér hodi uza teknolojia telemóvel nian sira ba finalidade sira seluk hanesan atu prenxe baze de dadus ho númeru telefone sira no mós informasaun demográfiku asosiadu sira ne’ebé mak sei permite hodi emite mensajen ba segimentu espesífiku husi sira nia kompenente sira. Ida-ne’e sei permite PDT atu fornese multidaun ida husi servisu foun sira SMS nian ba komunidade manutensaun pás no umanitária nian sira, inklui anúnsiu sira na grupu espesífiku sira, no mós atualizasaun seguransa nian sira.

Posibilidade sira boot tebes no espera katak projetu sira-ne’e sei habelar an. PDT mezmu konsidera fornese telemóvel sira ne’ebé doadu atu asegura sosiedade posível ne’ebé boot liu hotu. Rees hatudu entuziazmu,

Hodi fornese rendimentu no mós oportunidade serbisu nian, aprovizionamentu lokál nian kontribui ba prosperidade no ne’e-duni kontribui ba estabilidade. Iha tempu uluk, ami nia ekipa verifikasaun nian mak ba buka negósiu sira – agora negósiu sira mak buka ami. Governu uza ami nia servisu nune’e mós ho sosa-na’in internasionál sira. Ami tranforma ona nu’udár ema ne’ebé pronto atu atende (go-to people) ho tipu informasaun merkadu ida hanesan ne’e. Ida-ne’e nu’udár reklamasaun boot ida maibé ne’e loos duni. Ami mak na’in ba territóriu ne’e. Ami bele halo di’ak liután uitoan, maibé tanba limitasaun fundu no teknolojia nian ami sai paralizadu. Maibé SMS sira ne’ebé mak halo iha maneira ida ne’ebé di’ak tebes fó estímulu ida ne’ebé boot tebes.

Beli Secara Lokal Dengan SMS: Menghubungkan Para Penjual denfan Operasi Kemanusiaan di Timor-Leste dan Afganistan

Terbit Tanggal 10.21.09
Penulis Sara Moreira

Timor-Leste bertaburkan organisasi internasional yang memusatkan perhatian mereka pada rekonstruksi dan pembangunan negara ini. Perjuangan kemerdekaan Timor-Leste yang berlangsung selama dua dekade melawan Indonesia berakhir dengan kemerdekaan negara ini pada tahun 1999. Akan tetapi, setelah jajak pendapat kemerdekaan tersebut, milisi Indonesia menghancurkan 80% infrastruktur yang mana masih dalam tahap pemulihan di negara ini.

Ribuan pekerja bantuan internasional pindah ke negara ini setiap tahunnya namun orang pasti ingin tahu berapa banyakkah yang mereka konsumsi secara lokal. Tidaklah mengherankan bila berkunjung ke rumah seorang warga asing di Dili guna melihat perabot rumah buatan jaringan internasional yang besar, atau sebuah lemari es yang berisikan makanan dari Australia, Argentina dan AS. Sementara, 49% dari warga negara Timor-Leste hidup dengan penghasilan 80 sen per hari. Apakah mungkin untuk menghubungkan pasar – penawaran dan permintaan – lebih baik lagi? Apakah ada teknologi, seperti SMS, yang dapat digunakan untuk menghubungkan para produsen lokal dengan pasar ini?

Hal itulah yang menjadi tujuan dari Peace Dividend Trust (PDT), sebuah organisasi yang didirikan pada tahun 2004 yang bekerja untuk membuat operasi perdamaian dan kemanusiaan menjadi lebih efisien, efektif dan layak melalui pendekatan-pendekatannya yang inovatif.

Scott Gilmore, pendiri Perserikatan tersebut, dulu bekerja untuk Pemerintahan Transisi PBB di Timor-Leste pada tahun 2001. Disana ia mengalami secara langsung tantangan-tantangan untuk pembangunan kembali. Ia beserta rekan-rekannya mendapati, sebagai contoh, bahwa bantuan internasional dan para penjaga perdamaian seringkali sangatlah lamban dalam bergerak, yang mengakibatkan kemunduran yang sangatlah besar dikarenakan oleh permasalahan pengelolaan yang kecil dan dapat diperbaiki; atau, bahwa keterlambatan administratif dalam memperoleh sesuatu barang sesederhana nomor plat untuk kendaraan-kendaraan PBB memperlambat penempatan para penjaga perdamaian ke wilayah konflik.

Akan tetapi satu hal yang mencuri perhatian Scoot. Sebuah persoalan kunci di Timor-Leste, seperti dikebanyakan negara yang baru pulih dari konflik, adalah angka pengangguran yang berarti. Dan dalam hal ini, kendatipun adanya misi penilaian yang berlipatganda, hampir tidak ada sedikitpun uang donor yang dikeluarkan untuk mendukung penciptaan lapangan kerja atau pemulihan ekonomi lebih luas lagi.

Laporan-laporan terkini mencatat bahwa meskipun tujuh tahun setelah Pemerintahan independen pertama terpilih, Timor-Leste menerima salah satu jumlah bantuan per kapita tertinggi di dunia. Dan lagi pula, kendatipun para perwakilan bilateral dan multilateral menghabiskan kira-kira $5,200 juta Dollar Amerika dalam kurun waktu antara tahun 1999 dan 2009 pada program-program yang berhubungan dengan Timor-Leste, namun penduduk Timor-Leste masih tetap hidup dalam kemiskinan. Peseorangan dan organisasi sudah mulai menanyakan tentang dampak sebenarnya dari suntikan uang donor dalam pembangunan ekonomi lokal.

Pada saat yang sama, Gillmore melihat orang Timor pemilik rumah sewaannya menggunakan uang sewaan bulanannya untuk memperbaiki minibus yang dibakar dalam masa konflik. Pada saat uang bantuan tersebut tiba, pemilik rumah sewaannya Scott menjadi majikan terbesar di lingkungan tempat tinggalnya, yang menyediakan jasa pelayanan angkutan bis didalam negeri. Hal ini sangatlah menyolok, dan memunculkan sebuah pertanyaan yang wajar – bagaimana bila para perwakilan internasional membeli lebih banayak barang secara lokal agar para pengusaha seperti pemilik rumah sewaannya dapat dengan cepat mencari modal yang dibutuhkan untuk membangun kembali perekonomian mereka?

Edward Rees, Penasihat Senior PDT di Timor-Leste, menjelaskan,

Kami bisa membantu operasi perdamaian berkomunikasi lebih baik dengan masyarakat “lokal” dalam bahasa mereka sendiri. Kami dapat menargetkan informasi ke kelompok-kelompok tertentu. Kegiatan ini mengandung unsur-unsur penerapan ekonomis, partisipasi warga negara, keamanan, politik, sosial dan pembangunan. Jangkauannya luas. Kebanyakan dari teknologi ini telah digunakan di negara-negara berkembang, namun sangat sedikit – jika ada – yang digunakan di negara-negara pasca-konflik – disanalah tempat dimana kami masuk. Kami merupakan sebuah organisasi yang bekerja dalam bidang-bidang ini dalam 5-10 periode kritis setelah konflik pada saat kebanyakan orang berpikir tentang keadaan darurat – kami berpikir tentang jangka panjang dan baru.

Dari mulut ke mulut: BELI LOKAL

PDT memajukan proyek-proyek yang bertujuan menciptakan kesempatan kerja dan usaha melalui peningkatan pasokan barang lokal di negara-negara yang mengalami atau dalam pemulihan dari konflik.

Hal ini menantang terutama sekali di Timor-Leste dimana kekerasan dan pengrusakan menyusul referendum pada tahun 1999 yang merusak 80% dari infrastruktur sosial dan komunikasi. Ketika negara ini menjadi negara pertama pada abada 21, negara ini hampir sama sekali tidak memiliki kehidupan teknologi. Dengan kepercayaan bahwa untuk membangun sebuah perekonomian nasional, para pembeli internasional harus disapa, PDT menyediakan informasi pasar melalui kumpulan datanya Membangun Pasar (Building Markets).

Kumpulan data Pasokan Barang mempermudah seorang pemakai untuk mencari ribuan kategori usaha yang berbeda yang diatur berdasarkan wilayah untuk mencari informasi tentang setiap usaha formal, jenis kegiatan, layanan dan produk yang tersedia, kontak, referensi dan informasi berguna lainnya. Edward Rees mengatakan:

Kami melakukan apa yang tidak dilakukan oleh orang lain didunia ini. Kami melakukan verifikasi usaha. Kami menanyakan 35 pertanyaan kepada usaha-usaha lokal, dan menaruh jawabannya online, secara teratur, transparan, mudah diperoleh, dan mudah dicari. Formulir-formulir survei tersebut diverifikasi ulang secara manual melalui telepon dan SMS, dan kemudian informasi tersebut dimuat. Usaha-usaha tersebut diverifikasi ulang secara manual setiap 6 sampai 12 bulan. Komunitas pengusaha ini merupakan harapan masa depan di negara-negara pasca-konflik dalam hal memecahkan masalah pengangguran, dan juga menurut pengetahuan saya tidak ada seorangpun selain kami yang menanyakan pertanyaan seperti yang telah kami lakukan, dan mengirimkannya ke World Wide Web.

PDT juga menjalankan dan mengawasi sesuatu yang disebut Pusat Distribusi Tender didalam kantor-kantor pasarannya. Pusat Distribusi Tender, yang terbuka untuk umum, menawarkan akses kepada tender-tender terkini dari organisasi-organisasi internasional, usaha swasta, gratis kementerian pemerintah dan organisasi-organisasi militer.

Teknologi Mobil pada Eskala dari Afganistan ke Timor-Leste

Teknologi mobil, kebanyakan melalui SMS, memainkan sebuah peranan penting didalam pengelolaan dan administrasi pegawai dan mempermudah adanya pemberitahuan informasi kepada usaha-usaha lokal bahkan didaerah yang paling terpencil.

Didalam proyek Pasar pertama di Afganistan dimana PDT juga beroperasi, organisasi ini menyelidiki penggunaan pesan SMS dengan menggunakan kumpulan datanya untuk pengadaan barang. Daftar luas dari usaha lokal mengirimkan pesan-pesan khusus yang mengumumkan tentang tender-tender internasional yang baru sebagaimana yang diterima.

Sebuah program baru sedang diuji di Afganistan untuk mengirim SMS dalam ukuran besar untuk pemberitahuan tentang tender. Anne Wilson, Manjer IT PDT', mengatakan:

PDT menggunakan Portal SMS Dalam Ukuran Besar Clickatell (Clickatell Bulk SMS Gateway) yang dikombinasikan dengan PHP API-nya mereka. API ini dihubungkan pada sebuah instalasi Drupal yang sederhana yang merupakan tulang punggung bagi Petunjuk Pengadaan Barang Online Afganistan (Afghanistan Online Procurement Directory). Para penjual dapat menunjukkan kepada tim verifikasi tentang apakah mereka ingin menerima pemberitahuan tender melalui Email ataukah SMS. Pada saat tender masuk ke kantor PDT di Afganistan kami menggunakan sebuah alat penghubung jaringan untuk mengirimkan pemberitahuan mengenai tender-tender baru.

Pemberitahuan tentang tender dikirim berdasarkan sektor penjual yang berbeda (sebagai contoh dalam bidang bangungan dimana Tender Bagian Insinyur Sipil hanya dikirimkan kepada para penjual yang telah diidentifikasi dapat menyediakan jasa-jasa keahlian teknik). Tender-tender tersebut juga dapat ditargetkan berdasarkan lokasi dari penjual tersebut dan juga lokasi dimana tender tersebut diselenggarakan.

Teknologi mobil juga memainkan sebuah peranan penting didalam pekerjaan PDT di Timor. PDT melatih para agen lokal untuk membantu para pembeli perseorangan dan institusi untuk menemukan barang dan jasa dari para penjual lokal. Para pegawai ini mengkomunikasikan kegiatan dan hasil-hasil mereka kepada Kantor Pusat setiap hari dengan menggunakan SMS yang diberi sandi yang kemudian dibalas dengan memberikan ide, kontak dan apa saja yang diperlukan oleh orang-orang dilapangan melalui SMS.

PDT menggunakan Nokia PC Suite untuk mengelola SMS dari pegawai. Rees menjelaskan bagaimana Nokia PC Suite dipilih:

Saya mempunyai sebuah Nokia yang diinstal dengan PC Suite dan menemukan bagaimana mengatur telepon saya dengan lebih baik lagi. Jadi saya berpikir – demikian juga dengan para pegawai. Pelayanan ini mempermudah kita untuk memotong dan melekatkan (cut and paste) pesan-pesan SMS untuk tujuan-tujuan pelaporan. Saya juga mencoba FrontlineSMS, tetapi tidak dapat membuatnya berfungsi.

Meskipun para pegawai dilengkapi dengan perangkat komputer mini dan Open Office untuk pekerjaan mereka, penggunaan SMS telah terbukti lebih bermanfaat sebab hal ini mempermudah organisasi untuk menghemat waktu dan uang dalam melakukan panggilan telepon dan kunjungan ke lapangan. Penggunaan SMS juga mempermudah untuk menutupi kekosongan Internet di distrik-distrik sementara tidak bergantung pada program-program yang berbasis jaringan (web). Tetapi karena biaya dan kapasitas transfer data Internet, organisasi tidak dapat mengambil keuntungan menyeluruh dari

SMS – yakni PDT tidak dapat secara otomatis mengintegrasikan SMS dengan program-program yang berbasis jaringan (web) untuk mengelola informasi yang telah ditukar. Masih terlalu banyak waktu yang dihabiskan untuk memuat informasi secara manual ke kumpulan data mereka. Kata Rees,

Sekarang ini penggunaan SMS [di Timor-Leste] sangatlah terbatas melihat kenyataan bahwa kami memiliki sebuah hambatan dengan TT [Timor Telecom], dengan membayar 1200USD/bulan untuk sebuah hubungan trnasmisi dengan kecepatan tinggi 128kbps yang dibagi ke 15 terminal.

Walaupun adanya tantangan-tantangan tersebut, namun PDT percaya akan kekuatan dalam menggunakan teknologi-teknologi mobil untuk tujuan-tujuan lain seperti untuk mempopulasikan kumpulan-kumpulan data dengan nomor-nomor telepon dan informasi demografis terkait yang akan memudahkan pengiriman pesan ke bagian-bagian tertentu dari para pemilih mereka. Hal ini akan mempermudah PDT dalam menyediakan sejumlah pelayanan SMS baru bagi komunitas penjaga perdamaian dan juga kemanusiaan, termasuk pemberitahuan-pemberitahuan kepada kelompok-kelompok tertentu, dan juga informasi-informasi terkini tentang situasi keamanan.

Kemungkinan-kemungkinannya sangatlah besar dan diharapkan agar proyek-proyek tersebut dapat berkembang. PDT bahkan mempertimbangkan untuk menyediakan telepon-telepon genggam yang didermakan guna menjamin adanya kemungkinan keanggotaan yang lebih besar lagi. Rees menunjukkan semangat besar,

Dengan menyediakan pemasukan dan kesempatan kerja, pasokan lokal memberikan sumbangsih pada kemakmuran dan demikian stabilitas. Dulunya tim verifikasi kami yang harus mencari usaha-usaha lokal – sekarang usaha-usaha tersebut yang mencari kami. Pemerintah memakai jasa-jasa kami demikian juga dengan para pembeli internasional. Kami telah menjadi orang yang siap membantu (go-to people) dengan jenis informasi pasar yang seperti ini. Ini merupakan sebuah tuntutan yang besar namun memang benar adanya. Kami memiliki wilayah ini. Kami bisa melakukannya sedikit lebih baik lagi, namun dengan adanya keterbatasan dana dan teknologi kami menjadi lumpuh. Namun SMS yang dilakukan dengan cara yang benar memberikan sebuah dorongan yang besar sekali.

Providing the US Military a Chance to Buy Local

2009-10-29T14:05:00.022+09:00

Local vendors organized by PDT sell their handicrafts to visiting US troops.

Peace Dividend Trust’s (PDT) micro-matchmaking (M3) Manatuto district representatives Benigno Umberto Carvalho and Fransisco Remedios Quintao understood that with just over a week in town, members of the US armed forces had limited time to spend locally. And so, within a few hours of arriving on the shores of Timor-Leste, the military members camped in Manatuto were met by the M3 team who introduced PDT’s micro-matchmaking service. The troops were very receptive and quickly voiced their interest in purchasing locally produced Timorese handicrafts. On October 17th, less than a week later, Mr. Carvalho and Mr. Quintao organized a group of eight suppliers who personally traveled to the US encampment and came away with over $100 in immediate revenue. With around half of Timor-Leste's population living below the poverty line of USD 0.88 per day, transactions such as these can substatially improve a family's standard of living.

PDT’s micro-matchmaking team now works in 9 of the 13 districts (all except Aileu, Dili, Ermera and Liquica), facilitating the spending of international dollars in Timor-Leste’s rural areas where a little goes a long way. Since its establishment in 2007, the team has assisted with over 7,000 transactions, directing $4.5 million into the local economy.

PDT Pioneers SMS application in Post Conflict Timor

2009-10-22T09:56:00.002+09:00

Read the full story here.

Introducing Dili's Newest Form of Transit Service - FlyBus, a Business on the Move.

2009-10-09T10:26:00.018+09:00

Running a small guesthouse in Taibessi, Dili, Mr. Carlos Alberto Soares and Mrs. Maria João Soares often found their patrons requesting a reliable method of transportation to the airport in Dili. A few personal drives to the airport later, the Soares couple realized an unfilled demand in the travel sector: an airport shuttle that you can count on. Thus, the couple decided to create the enterprise FlyBus, the “reliable way to get to the airport!”

Owned by Mr. Soares and managed entirely by his wife Maria, Flybus has a fleet consisting of one bus and a driver but is expected to grow as demand increases. For now, it provides Timor-Leste with a unique service that has been generating much attention. In addition to shuttling travelers back and forth, to and from the airport, FlyBus runs day tours throughout all of Dili. For more information about the company or to make a reservation, call +670.750.8585, or send an email to kijoli@bigpond.com. You can also follow FlyBus of Peace Dividend Trust’s online database service, BuildingMarkets.org.

Mr. Carlos Alberto Soares and Mrs. Maria João Soares, founders of FlyBus.

An Alternative Type of Agriculture in Timor-Leste

2009-10-08T11:09:00.014+09:00

Recently constructed greenhouses in Lequitura, Aileu

The USAID operated program "Private Sector Development" is developing a different sort of agriculture in Timor-Leste. The project has allowed Timorese entrepreneurs to submit applications for a tender in the field of agribusiness, which provides an opportunity to construct and run greenhouses specified to raise high grossing crops. One important goal of the project is to shift the Timorese agricultural sector away from a purely subsistence based economy and into a more lucrative field.

Peace Dividend Trust’s Tender Distribution Service (TDS) also has had a part in the program’s operations by releasing information on the Tenders Iha Timor-Leste (Tenders in Timor-Leste) blog website, advertising USAID's request for the materials needed for the construction of the greenhouses. TDS is one of PDT's core services in Timor-Leste, in addition to Business Verification, Matchmaking and Micromatchmaking. To date this year, PDT has advertised over 475 tenders available to the local community, facilitating transactions that ensures dollars are spent locally.

Programs to Build Timor-Leste

2009-10-01T10:30:00.005+09:00

AusAID is currently promoting three programs geared towards stimulating private sector growth in Timor-Leste. Two of these, East Timor Community Assistance Scheme (ETCAS) and The Human Rights Small Grants Scheme, are offering Timorese organizations a valuable opportunity to procure funds to be invested locally. The third program, the Australian Development Scholarship (ADS), is providing Timorese nationals a chance to continue either their undergraduate or postgraduate study in Australia, cultivating appropriate skills for working in a developing nation.

For more information on these opportunities, visit any of PDT’s offices in Dili, Baucau, Covalima or Viqueque, or check out http://www.ausaid.gov.au/.

PDT Welcomes New MTCI Members to Verification Team

2009-09-16T15:27:00.008+09:00

After successfully completing a six month training program with Peace Dividend Trust (PDT), two staff from the Ministry of Tourism, Trade, and Industry (MTCI) return back to their home office. Now, three new members are welcomed into the PDT Verification Team in order to learn the methodology and skills needed to maintain an extensive business database system.

This partnership between the two organizations is laying the framework for the eventual transfer of PDT’s entire business database, http://www.buy-in-timor.org/, over to MTCI. The Ministry has continually expressed its pleasure with the work PDT has put into building the database, as well as its plans to one day manage and support the entire system.

The Three New MTCI Members in PDT Verification Office: Isabel Moreira, Ermelinda Lay and Ishmail G. Amaral

Serbisu Iha Timor-Leste Captures over 100,000 Views

2009-09-14T13:10:00.012+09:00

Serbisu Iha Timor-Leste, or Jobs in Timor-Leste, has recently passed the 100,000 page view milestone since its creation in December of 2008. This blog, founded and operated by Peace Dividend Trust (PDT), has advertised over 800 job opportunities available in Timor-Leste.

Where did the Billions Go?

2009-09-08T15:35:00.000+09:00

PDT Timor-Leste Releases District Business Guide for Oecusse District

2009-09-07T10:17:00.003+09:00

Traveling to the district of Oecusse? Don't go without PDT's newly released District Business Guide available in both English and Tetum. In this guide, you will find a list of 83 active businesses operating in a variety of different industries. For example, take a look at Oecusse's very own newspaper, The Lifau Post, that has been serving the district since 2003. Also be sure to check out the accomadation section for an up to date list of hotels and restaurants.

District Business Guides in pdf format can now be downloaded from the PDT Timor-Leste Blogspot for the districts of Aileu, Ainaro, Baucau, Bobonaro, Covalima, Ermera, Lautem, Liquica, Manatuto, Manufahi, Oecusse and Viqueque. PDT expects to release the final Business District Guide for the district of Dili in the coming month.

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

Riders, PDT Committed to Building Timor-Leste

2009-09-03T09:32:00.027+09:00

Riders pass in front of PDT banner.

The international attention captured by Tour de Timor offered a wider audience the chance to see the direct impact of buying local. Peace Dividend Trust (PDT) capitalized on this opportunity by encouraging all international visitors to first look to Timorese products when making purchases.

While shopping, race participants viewed firsthand the quality and personality of Timorese handicrafts. One Australian biker offered her feedback to PDT, “Timor Leste crafts are beautifully colored, happy genuine products of a country that needs you to buy!” And now, facilitated by events like Tour de Timor, more international dollars are flowing directly into the coffers of Timorese businesses, creating local jobs and directly enhancing nationwide stability.

Bikers browse Timorese products.

PDT continues to support and assist these local businesses ready to deliver their products to market. With an online business database of over 2,250 enterprises, PDT offers quick results to buyers seeking local goods and services. In one recent example, PDT received a request for a large quantity of tais (a traditional Timorese fabric) bags to be manufactured for Tour de Timor. Within five days, the 83 bags were completed and delivered by Oaseq, a tailoring shop in Baucau, resulting in $415 spent locally.

With the conclusion of the race and the departure of the majority of riders, Peace Dividend Trust continues its campaign of “Buy local. Build Timor-Leste.”. The trademark banner was even captured by the exclusive video of Tour de Timor, produced by Timorese television station Tempo Semanal. (To view the whole video, click here.)

PDT featured on official Tour de Timor video.

PDT Promotes Local Business Development at Expo

2009-08-26T11:04:00.027+09:00

In conjunction with the Dili International Trade Expo, Peace Dividend Trust has hosted and facilitated several types of activities geared towards cultivating the local economy of Timor-Leste.

On August 16th 2009, Mrs. Ana C de Clouett, Director of ABTS Aust. Business Training & Support, delivered a presentation on human resource management. A total of 23 participants attended this event that was organized by PDT; the largest portion of the group came from women's organizations, while others ranged from students to members of the National Union of Small Enterprises (Uniao Nacional de Pequenas Empresas).

Two days later, a presentation was given by Timor Global on the topics of meeting local demand and standardizing the quality and quantity of agricultural products. This presentation, led by Mr. Afonso de Oliveira, Agribusiness Program Manager, was attended by 38 participants, comprising of 15 women and 23 men. Mr. Oliveira gave detailed information on what types of agriculture products are in high demand and the transportation process from the sucos (villages) to Dili. He also provided documents and photographs about the goods that will be purchased. “I am very appreciative of PDT’s program which links consumers and suppliers. PDT has aided us in finding mungbeans, soy beans, corns, kidney beans, and peanuts, as well as assisted us in taking samples of soil”, said Mr. Oliveira.

Mr. Oliveira addressing the crowd.

Later that day, PDT also presented a section of its own services, consisting of the Timor-Leste Procurement Database and blogs such as Buy and Build. Timor-Leste. It was delivered by Ilidio Ximenes da Costa, Brigida Soares and Gaspar Quintao. After the presentation, business owners visited the PDT booth in order to register with the database and ask that their products be promoted online. Within the first few days of the expo, PDT verification teams have already registered 8 businesses at the expo and another 8 businesses have asked to have their products promoted by putting them on sale at the PDT’s expo stand for passing visitors to buy.

The verification team interviews small business owners.

“Hau kontenti tebes no satisfas ho PDT nia servisu nebe buka informasaun hodi hato’o ba ami hanesan dadau ne’e ho espliksaun husi Timor Global no mos senhora Ana de C Clouett” dehan senhora Odete Viera, husi grupo Kate Terus husi Lospalos (“I was very please and satisfied with PDT’s program which, as explained by Timor Global and Mrs. Ana de C Clouett, helps spread out our business information” said Mr. Odete Viera, Group Kate Terus from Lospalos district).

On the day of F-FDTL, August 20th 2009, Coronel Falur Rate Laek himself visited PDT’s booth and bought a few local business handicrafts. These goods were sold directly through the owner, who was promoting his wares at the PDT stand. Another notable figure to visit PDT was Mr. Gil Alves, Minister of Tourism and Commerece.

The Minister of Tourism, Commerce and Industry browses local wares.

PDT hopes to continue achieving favorable results throughout the duration of the exposition.

PDT Timor-Leste Releases District Business Guide for Manatuto District

2009-08-25T11:40:00.007+09:00

Browsing for goods and services in Manatuto? Look no further without the help of the newly released PDT District Business Guide for Manatuto district, available in both English and Tetum. This guide features the details of 23 businesses active in Manatuto district in a range of areas including accomodation, carpentry, construction, healthcare, and vehicle rental.

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, Ainaro, Bobonaro, Covalima, Ermera, Lautem, Liquica, Manatuto, Manufahi and Viqueque. PDT Timor-Leste expects to release a District Business Guide for the district of Oecusse in the coming weeks.

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

Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao visits PDT Booth at the Dili International Trade Expo

2009-08-17T11:17:00.004+09:00

On 15 August 2009 Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao visited the PDT booth at the Dili International Trade Expo organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Commerce and Industry (MTCI). MTCI is PDT's primary government partner as PDT works to transfer its online business database to MTCI in the coming years.
Above: Brigida Soares explains PDT activities to the Prime Minister. Minister for Tourism Commerce and Industry, Gil Alves, stands listening in the back to the left.

Tour de Timor Open Letter

2009-08-07T05:25:00.002+09:00

OPEN LETTER: Buy Local. Build Timor-Leste

Dear Tour de Timor Participants, Support Teams, Media and others,

Peace Dividend Trust (PDT) is an organisation based in Timor-Leste working closely with the President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste's Committee to support the Tour de Timor sporting event. We would like to thank you for your participation that will help promote Timor-Leste around the world. You will experience 5 days touring in some of Timor-Leste's most beautiful, isolated and poorest regions. 80% of Timor-Leste's citizens live in these areas. Dili is a relatively new city, as our people, are a people of the mountains.

10 years ago this month these regions were subject to wholesale destruction. Most people have yet to restore their living and economic conditions to that of pre 1999.

PDT's Marketplace Project and Buy Local. Build Timor-Leste campaign is designed to help individuals and institutions find what they are looking for in terms of goods and services so as to drive more money into the hands of business people in Timor-Leste and especially in the rural districts. If you require any good or service during your stay in Timor-Leste all you need to do is contact PDT and our staff will help you find a business, which can cater to your requirements. All of PDT's services are free as the Governments of Australia and Norway and Eni Spa fund the project. Vehicles, accommodation, food, water, shelter, clothing, first aid equipment, communications equipment, mechanics, translators, media fixers – can all be obtained in Dili and much can be found in the Districts if you know where to find it. PDT staff based along the race route Dili-Baucau-Viqueque-Manufahi-Maubisse-Dili can help spend your money and support businesses in the neediest parts of the country. In the last 18 months PDT has completed over 5,000 requests for business/market information across the country. It also has 2,200 business profiles online at www.buildingmarkets.org.

$10 spent in the districts is worth $100 spent in Dili. An unskilled labourer in the Districts considers $100/month a good salary.

Contact PDT early with your procurement requirements and we can move quickly to match you with the right businesses.

PDT thanks you for you participation and hopes that we can make this more than just a race. By buying locally you will make a difference and help to build Timor-Leste.

Thank you for your attention.

Celio Alves Matchmaking Associate calves@pdtglobal.org

Ilidio Ximenes Deputy Director iximenes@pdtglobal.org

President Horta Supports "Buy Local. Build Timor-Leste"

2009-08-06T22:39:00.002+09:00

PDT Tender Distribution $1 Million Success

2009-08-05T05:07:00.003+09:00

Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) issued a tender in collaboration with the Government of Timor-Leste for the construction of a new National Post Office Headquarters, in Dili. Using the Peace Dividend Trust Tender Distribution Service (TDS) in addition to other outlets the tender was distributed throughout the country.

PDT TDS distributed the tender to 138 construction businesses in Timor-Leste as found on the Timor-Leste Procurement Database www.buildingmarkets.org (made in conjunction with the Ministry of Tourism, Commerce and Industry and funded by the Government's of Australia and Norway).

On 19 September 2008 KOICA awarded the contract to East Sunrise Timor-Leste with a value of 999,927.00 USD

In order to perform on the contract East Sunrise Timor-Leste recruited 34 labourers at the construction site in Balide, Dili and at some office staff at the office in Mandarin, Dili. The managers Mr Anajito Ximenes and Mr Kevin Kim say they they plan to hire more at the end of 2009 and early 2010.

East Sunrise obtained the tender through PDT's distribution services and are appreciative for PDT's ongoing assistance in obtaining information about tenders in Timor-Leste.

PDT has distributed 352 tenders since January 2008.

For more information about the TDS contact timor-leste[at]pdtglobal.org and see the online tender website at this link.

One of Timor-Leste National Racing Jersey's for Tour de Timor

2009-08-01T22:48:00.002+09:00

Horta Says Buy Local

2009-07-30T01:19:00.003+09:00

Ramos Horta asks where $3bn in aid has gone

Caroline Overington July 28, 2009
Article from: The Australian

EAST Timor has reportedly received more than $3 billion in foreign aid over the years -- but President Jose Ramos Horta has no idea where the money went.

He suspects that, like most aid money, it got wasted on studies and reports and self-important visiting delegations. He doubts that much made it to East Timor.

"If you read certain newspapers, over the years the international community has spent $3bn on rebuilding East Timor," Dr Ramos Horta told an audience at the University of NSW yesterday.

"I never saw this money. The people don't see it in the villages," he said.

He knew much of the aid money was spent on reports because "one estimate suggests that 3000 studies and reports have been done on East Timor".

"We have been psychoanalysed from every angle," he said. "They say it has been spent on 'capacity building' ... but if that money was really used for capacity building, every Timorese would have a PhD by now. We'd all be Einstein by now.

"Either we, the East Timorese, are the dumbest people in the world, or they send us the dumbest people in the world to teach our people. Because no one can explain how so much money, allegedly provided, has gone."

Dr Ramos Horta said the situation was similar in Afghanistan, where no more than 30 per cent of international aid money allocated to Afghanistan was actually spent in the country.

Speaking during the 20th anniversary celebrations for the Diplomacy Training Program, which Dr Ramos Horta founded at UNSW in 1989, the President pleaded for new foreign aid policies and better trade deals.

During the years in which Australia had a significant presence in East Timor, Dr Ramos Horta said, he had to "plead with the then PM John Howard (to) buy local. We have beautiful local vegetables and fruit (to feed the defence forces). It's not going to kill you."

PDT Local Supplier Coordinator for the Tour de Timor (tourdetimor.com)

2009-07-25T17:54:00.003+09:00

PDT Buy Local Website www.buildingmarkets.org goes over 10,000 visit, and 57,000 hits.

2009-07-24T06:54:00.001+09:00

PDT Timor-Leste on BBC Radio in 2008

2009-07-10T00:51:00.003+09:00

For the radio story associated with this internet BBC story on PDT click here.

Matchmaking-Dili $113,000.00 Transaction Success

2009-06-26T13:46:00.003+09:00

Matchmaking-Dili successfully facilitated transaction at value US$ 113,000.00

Servisu Suporta Ligasaun (M2)-Dili facilita ho sucesu tranzasaun ho valor US $ 113,000.00

In September 2008, the Peace Dividend Trust matchmaking team in Dili and districts received request from the Office of the President of the Republic seeking suppliers of office furniture from carpenters around Timor-Leste. The matchmaking team in Dili working alongside with the Micro matchmaking team in districts to source the information and lodged a detailed matchmaking report to the office of the President of the Republic.

Iha Setembru 2008, Servisu Suporta Ligasaun (M2) husi Peace Dividend Trust (PDT) nian iha Dili no distritus simu pedidu husi edificio Presidente da Republika Demokritika de Timor-Leste nebe buka mobiliarios ba edificio nian husi karpintario hotu-hotu iha rai Timor laran. M2 iha Dili koolabora ho Servisu Suporta Ligasaun mikro (M3) iha distritu hodi buka informasaun no hato’o relatorio detailha M2 ba iha edificio Presidente da Republika Demokratica de Timor-Leste.

In June 2009, the matchmaking team in Dili received a confirmation from Baniuaga 1 that they have supplied the office of the President of the Republic with significant numbers of carpentry products namely, door and door frame, garden wooden gate, medium and large work desks, round tables, conference tables, reception desk, wooden garbage bins, Atauro statues, filling cabinets, photo and drawing frames, chairs etc.

Iha Juno 2009, tim M2 nian iha Dili simu konfirmasaun husi kompania Baniuaga 1 katak sira fornese tiha ona ba edificio Presidente da Republika Demokratika de Timor-Leste, produto carpintarias ho quantidade barak hanesan odamatan, arus, portaun jardin nian, meza secretaria media no bot, meza redondas, meza conferencia, balcao recepsionista, lixu fatin husi ai, estatua Atauro, moldura (photo/drawing frame), kadeiras, etc.

Pic 1. Stack of half finished garbage bins for President Office. Lixu fatin nebe besik hotu ona ba Edificio Presidente Republika nian.

Pic 2. Work desks specially make for the President office Meza secretaria nian nebe desenha deit ba iha edificio Presidente Republika nian

This marked a total estimated value of US$113,000.00 transaction facilitated by the matchmaking team in Dili. Eduardo Belo said “As a result of PDT work I have employed more skilled carpenters on the job, including 2 permanent and 6 part time Atauro sculptures from the cloister business in Colmera”.

Ho rezultadu iha leten ne’e, tim M2 nian iha Dili konsege fasilita tranzasaun ida ho valor US$113,000.00. Eduardo Belo sublinha ”Tamba PDT nia servisu hau konsege fo emprego ba karpenteiru diak balun, inkluidu skulpturas permanente 2 no temporario 6 husi negosio kaki lima iha Colmera”.

Pic 3. Atauro statues…Estatua Atauro…

Pic 4 & 5. Baniuaga hired Atauro sculptures to work on the both side of President office main entrance.. Baniuaga kontratu ho skulpturas Atauro sira hodi halo servisu balun ba iha odamatan entrada nian sorin rua..

Pic 6. President office conference room furnished with locally produce furniture...Edificio Presidente nia sala konferencia nakonu ho mobilias nebe produs iha rai laran...

Baniuaga 1 owned by Eduardo Belo, is one of the few largest carpentry companies in Dili, Timor-Leste. To make a good markets for their products they have introduce naturally unique painting application on their furniture. As Timorese owned business Eduardo Belo never stops being creative. He has also designed some easy to assemble office furniture which is new for the market. He recently ordered a new set of kiln facility to improve wood quality. As soon as he gets it installed then Baniuaga will become one of the two carpentry companies in the country which have kiln processing facility.

Kompania Baniuaga 1 nebe nia nain maka Eduardo Belo, nudar kompania karpintaria bot ida entre compania bot balun iha Dili, Timor-Leste. Atu kria merkadu diak ba iha sira nia produtu, Baniuaga introdus aplikasaun pintura natural e uniku ba iha sira nia mobiliarius. Hanesan Timor oan ida nebe iha negosio, Eduardo Belo nunka para ho ideas kreativus. Nia mos desenha mobiliarios ba gabinete nebe fasil atu monta ka desmonta nebe foun ba merkadu. Atu hadia qualidade ai ba nia mobiliarios, foin lalais ne’e Eduardo halo requizasaun ba set facilidade oven (kiln) foun ida nebe to ona iha nia kompania. Baniuaga 1 sei sai kompania segundu nebe iha facilidade procesa sistema oven iha rai laran wainhira nia monta ona facilidade ne’e.

Baniuaga 1 Mobile 1: +670 725 0880. Mobile 2: +670 727 9477

Land line: +670 331 0732

Fax : +670 331 0732

Email: baniuagawoodworking@gmail.com

Blogspot: http://www.baniuaga.blogspot.com/

Peace Dividend Trust Breaks Ground with the Use of SMS.

2009-06-19T09:31:00.003+09:00

English translation below.

Ba Publikasaun Emidiatu: Dili – Timor-Leste

Peace Dividend Trust Breaks Ground Liu Husi SMS.

Hahu husi fulan Fevreiro 2008 Peace Dividend Trust (PDT) halao ona programa micro -matchmaking (ligasaun kiik) iha distrito 6, no aumenta ba didtrito 9 iha fulan Fevreiro 2009. Ida ne’e inkluido husi Lautem, Baucau, Viqueque, Manatuto, Manufahi, Ainaro, Cova Lima, Bobonaro no Oecusse. Aktividades ne’e fokus/haree liu ba hamosu, no ou fasilita ba transaksaun negosio iha area rurais entre sosa nain lokal no internasional. Usa kapasidade lokal nebe iha base no base de dadus Peace Dividend Trust Building Markets husi tim micro-matchmaking nebe manaje ona 4, 300 transaksaun negosio iha distrito 9 iha area rurais. Transaksaun sira nebe halao ona mak balun hanesan; halal chicken ba officiais UNPOL, transaksaun medium ba karau vaka nebe halao internal no external iha Timor-Leste no mos iha transaksaun ba seitores konstrusaun no aluga.

Brigada Soares - PDT, Dili.

Atu hatoo ou habelar informasaun kona ba negosius iha area nebe ho geografia mak luan tebes la fasil atu halo monitorisasaun no relatorio ba aktividades atu hetan diak ba serwisu. Maibe resultado husi Team PDT ba Micro-Matchmaking hanesan pioner ida nebe hahu usa sistema SMS (Short Message Service) nebe mak sistematiku tebes hodi simu no haruka informasaun ba operasaun implementasaun serwisu no relatorio.

Tim PDT ba Micro-matchmaking haruka relatorio nebe usa kodiku iha SMS ba PDT iha Dili iha lor-loron kona ba informasaun transaksaun nebe halao entre sosa nain/komprador, faan nain/fornesedor no kona sasan. Too ba agora dadaun ne’e PDT Dili simu ona liu husi 2, 100 SMS husi staff iha distrito ba iha Dili informa kona ba sira nia aktividades. Ida ne;e hatudu katak halao buat ida mak efesiensia liu no konsidera la usa tempo barak no osan barak maibe lori lian no halao serwisu nebe produktivo ba sosa nain/komprador no faan nain/fornesedor ihaq Timor-Leste.

Atu hetan informasaun klean liu bele haree iha Peace Dividend Trust at timorleste@peacedividendtrust.org no Ilidio da Costa Ximenes Vice Director PDT, iximenes@pdtglobal..org Mobile: +670 723 3335

For Immediate Release: Dili – Timor-Leste

Peace Dividend Trust Breaks Ground with the Use of SMS.

Since February 2008 Peace Dividend Trust (PDT) has been conducting micro-matchmaking activities in 6 districts, and 9 since February 2009. These include Lautem, Baucau, Viqueque, Manatuto, Manufahi, Ainaro, Cova Lima, Bobonaro and Oecusse. These activities are focused on creating, and or facilitating business transactions in rural areas between local and international buyers and local suppliers. Using local on the ground knowledge and the Peace Dividend Trust Building Markets database the micromatchmaking team has managed over 4,300 business transactions in the above 9 rural districts. These range from the provision of halal chicken to UN Police officers, medium scale cattle transactions internal and external to Timor-Leste in addition to property construction and rental.

Given the large amount of business information being generated across such a large geographical space monitoring and reporting of this activity has been critical for success. As result the PDT Micromatchmaking Team has pioneered the systematic use of SMS (Short Message Service) facilities to send and receive information for operations implementation and reporting.

All PDT Micromatchmaking Teams send a coded SMS message to PDT HQ in Dili at the end of every business day detailing the transactions conducted with information on buyer, supplier, and good/service. Spread across all teams this means that PDT HQ has received over 2,100 SMS messages from its district staff informing HQ of their activities. This has enable efficiencies, and saved a considerable amount of time and money in ensuring the delivery of a sound and productive service to buyers and suppliers in Timor-Leste.

Peace Dividend Trust is also moving forward with more ambitious plans to use blast bulk SMS for the delivery of tender / contract alerts in the future.

For more information please contact Peace Dividend Trust at timor-leste@peacedividendtrust.org and Ilidio da Costa Ximenes Vice Director PDT, iximenes@pdtglobal.org Mobile: +670 723 3335

Flyer Beach Craft fair 2009 Tetum and English 20 June 09

2009-06-17T11:25:00.002+09:00

Recruiting New Staff for Cova Lima

2009-06-10T11:44:00.002+09:00

Conducting computer test for new Micromatchmaking staff in Suai, Cova Lima District. Cova Lima M3 micromatchmaking staff are among the most successful in the country - having created hundreds of business transactions since February 2008.

Micro Matchmaking Innovations towards KIOS Asela

2009-05-28T10:31:00.004+09:00

On March 12, 2009, Micro Matchmaking District Representative for Covalima, Mr. Alberto de Araujo met Mr. Marcelo dos Santos owner of the local business "KIOS Asela" to provide advice on what institutional and individual buyers are looking to source in Covalima.

Mr. Alberto told Mr. Marcelo that many International NGOs wanted office stationery/materials; computer inks, flipcharts, board markers, glues, paper folders, note books, pencils and mobile phones but that only one shop supplied these goods at high prices. Up to this point Mr. Marcelo’s shop only supplied more basic goods.

Mr. Alberto suggested that KIOS Asela diversify its stock and take note of his advice on what some larger buyers are looking to purchase. Subsequently, KIOS Asela began to stock these goods and profits are on the rise.

After the PDT M3 Team spread the word of a new supplier for office materials KIOS Asela’s income has increased from $120-175/month to $300-500/month.

Mr. Marcelo says that "I am really happy with PDT assistance which link buyers to suppliers and I have got many more orders from the NGOs and government related to the office stationery and materials".

If you want to purchase office stationery and materials in Covalima, KIOS Asela, can be found through Mr. Marcelo dos Santos, +670 727 6936, Leogore, Debos, Suai Vila.

PDT Timor-Leste Releases District Business Guide for Liquica District

2009-05-27T19:54:00.002+09:00

Planning on visiting Liquica? Don't go without a copy of the newly released PDT District Business Guide for Liquica district, available in both English and Tetum. This Guide features the details of 36 businesses active in Liquica district in a range of areas including acccommodation, bamboo furniture production, construction, hand-crafts and steel fabrication.

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, Ainaro, Bobonaro, Covalima, Ermera, Lautem, Liquica, Manufahi and Viqueque. PDT Timor-Leste expects to release a District Business Guide for the district of Manatuto 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 Timor-Leste Releases District Business Guide for Ermera

2009-04-25T15:52:00.003+09:00

Heading into the Timor-Leste coffee industry heartland? Don't go without a copy of the newly released PDT District Business Guide for Ermera district, available in both English and Tetum. This Guide features the details of 50 businesses active in Ermera district in a range of sectors including Accommodation, Agribusiness, Handcrafts, Construction, Procesing & Industry, and Vehicle Rental.

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, Ainaro, Bobonaro, Covalima, Ermera, Lautem, Manufahi and Viqueque. PDT Timor-Leste expects to release a District Business Guide for the district of Liquica 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.

Access Net

2009-04-23T17:57:00.003+09:00

Access Net is a cyber cafe in Dili that provides internet access, as well as printing, wireless installation, network installation, and computer repair, including free internet training. View Access Net on http://www.buildingmarkets.org/ by clicking here

PDT Releases New District Business Guides for Bobonaro

2009-04-20T17:53:00.002+09:00

Looking for something in Bobonaro? Find it with the help of the newly released PDT District Business Guide for Bobonaro district, available in both English and Tetum. This Guide features the details of 89 businesses active in Bobonaro district in a range of sectors including Accommodation, Agribusiness, Carpentry (including furniture production and glazing), IT, Office Supplies, Sporting Equipment and Vehicle Rental.

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, Ainaro, Bobonaro, Covalima, Lautem, Manufahi and Viqueque. PDT Timor-Leste expects to release a District Business Guide for the district of Ermera 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.

A $17,400 MicroMatching Success in Viqueque

2009-04-06T11:01:00.001+09:00

In September 2008, the Micro Matchmaking (M3) team received a request from the Office of the President of the Republic seeking suppliers of office furniture produced by carpenters from around Timor-Leste. Through assistance from the M3 staff in Baucau and Lautem, PDT provided the Office of the President with a portfolio of domestic suppliers.

On March 17, 2009, M3 Associate Mr. Ilidio Ximenes da Costa and Brigida Soares (pictured with the Haburas Group in Viqueque) met with Mr. Marcelino Soares from the Haburas Group, which is a supplier of office furniture in Viqueque, to discuss the request. As a result, Mr. Marcelino established contact with the Office of the President. According to Mr. Marcelino, this contact led to a specific request for hardwood filing cabinets from The Office of the President. The total estimated value of the transaction facilitated by M3 is $17,400. "I am very satisfied with PDT program which helps me to promote or market my products to the buyers", said Mr. Marcelino.

The Haburas Group sells home and office furniture, such as: cupboards, beds, doors, windows, door frames, window frames, chairs and tables. Any request for information on these products can be directed to:

Mr. Marcelino Soares
Phone number: +670 - 7289815
Address: Suco Beloy, Sub District -Viqueque District Viqueque – Timor-Leste

PDT Releases District Business Guide for Baucau

2009-04-03T20:25:00.001+09:00

Looking for Goods or Services in Baucau?

If so, check out the new PDT District Business Guide for Baucau district, available in both English and Tetum. This Guide features the details of 89 businesses active in Baucau district in a range of sectors including Media & Advertising, Processing & Industry, Accommodation, Vehicle Rental, and Mechanical and Trade Services, Supplies & Spares.

The new PDT District Business Guide for Baucau is the ideal companion to the PDT Buy Local Baucau Guide, and can be downloaded in pdf format from the PDT Buy Local Timor-Leste blogspot (http://buylocaltimorleste.blogspot.com/). PDT District Business Guides can now be downloaded from this blogspot for the districts of Aileu, Ainaro, Baucau, Covalima, Lautem, Manufahi and Viqueque. PDT Timor-Leste expects to release a District Business Guide for the district of Bobonaro 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.

Amid a Surge in Traffic, PDT Job Site has 36,000 Hits and Climbing

2009-04-01T12:05:00.002+09:00

Since October 2008 the Peace Dividend Trust has been trying to improve the systems whereby employers link with prospective employees in Timor-Leste. To this end it created a jobs posting site, named Serbisu Iha Timor-Leste (Jobs in Timor-Leste), in which jobs are posted for nationals in Timor-Leste.

While the posting service got off to a slow start it has lifted off since January 2009, and in just five months users have visited the site on 7,763 occasions, viewing over 36,811 pages. (See graphic). To date dozens of private and public sector organizations have advertised hundreds of positions on this site.

Peace Dividend Trust is funded by AusAID and Norway.

Announcing over 2000 Businesses Online.

2009-03-25T14:25:00.006+09:00

On 23 March 2009, Peace Dividend Trust, in cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism, Commerce and Industry (MTCI) surpassed the 2000 benchmark for businesses on the Timor-Leste Online Procurement Database (located at www.buildingmarkets.org). There are now 2013 unique business profiles online and the job of verifying further new businesses in Dili and the districts continues.

The Timor-Leste Procurement Database has had 43,435 hits in just 10 months. These hits have been generated by 8,272 separate visits. The website is designed to connect institutional and individual buyers (both inside and outside Timor-Leste) with domestic suppliers.

To date 50.05% of visits have come from users inside Timor-Leste, 13.37% from Australia, 7.80% from Singapore, and 6.48% from Indonesia. (see graphic above)

USGov: Trade with ET

2009-03-24T16:28:00.001+09:00

East Timor's total trade with the United States in 2008 was $5.07 million, a -54.98% change over 2007. Total U.S. exports were $5.04 million while imports were valued at $32,648. The U.S. surplus/(deficit) was 5,018,932 in 2008, while the balance of trade, the value of exports for each dollar of trade, was $1.00. http://africa.kongotimes.info/news/212/ARTICLE/1776/2009-03-23.html

etanetanetanetanetanetanetanetanetanetanetanetan

Support ETAN! Donate online. Just go to
http://etan.org/etan/donate.htm. Thank you for your support!

John M. Miller etan@igc.org
National Coordinator, ETAN
718-596-7668

Web site: http://www.etan.org

Send a blank e-mail message to info@etan.org to find out how to
learn more about East Timor on the Internet

Takakazu Ito, Special Assistant to UNMIT SRSG Atul Khare. Rides Past Buy Local Sign

2009-03-22T14:32:00.006+09:00

Drink Local. Build Timor-Leste.

2009-03-22T14:32:00.005+09:00

A Brief History of "Diamond Workshop"

2009-03-20T20:09:00.005+09:00

My name is Leonard Lemos Sim. I was born in Suai, Covalima on May 5, 1967. I was born in a business family. My family ran business in transportation. My education background was not higher. I even did not finish my study at elementary school. I have had ideas to run a business but I could not because I still have no money to run it. I know own Diamond Workshop - contact details here.

In UNTAET period I worked at SVSC or Makita as sub-contractor for Mr. Robert fixing UN cars for three months in early 2000. I started my own business in the mid of 2000. How I started this business? I collected ideas from my workmate from SVSC Company and other friends that have business background. At the first time, I started my business from a very small standard and only fixed individual cars. It was a very hard time for me to start my business, because I have no money, used manual tools and only 5 people worked with me. There were only 15 X 20M2 of land used as space to run that business. And the only things that I could keep developing my business were spirit, confidence, reliability, punctuality and the efficiency of work.

Because of those efforts I made, eventually I got many clients from different individuals, government, local and international NGOS, Institutes including UN as my permanent client.

From the hard time of the struggle, finally my business extended and became well-known. The good things that could make me happy “if our clients satisfy and smile to our services” that is my motto.

PDT Timor-Leste Releases District Business Guide for Ainaro

2009-03-19T16:52:00.006+09:00

Going to Ainaro?

Don’t leave without the newly released PDT District Business Guide for Ainaro district, available in both English and Tetum. This Guide features the details of 55 businesses active in Ainaro district in a range of sectors including Accommodation, Construction, Musical Equipment and Accessories, Coffee Processing and Vehicle Rental.

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, Ainaro, Covalima, Lautem, Manufahi and Viqueque. PDT Timor-Leste expects to release a District Business Guide for the district of Baucau 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.

First Buy Local Baucau Map is Available

2009-03-09T11:58:00.001+09:00

Are you traveling to Baucau for business or pleasure? Are you looking for a room to stay in or a fried chicken for your dinner? The first-ever Buy Local Baucau Guide will help you find whatever you need during your visit.

Prepared by Peace Dividend Trust and the Guide Post, the Guide provides business names, exact locations, and contact information for over 120 businesses and organizations based in Baucau, in an easy-to-handle format. It is now available in all major hotels and restaurants in Dili and Baucau, as well as Dili airport and travel agencies.

Mr. Epifanio Faculto, Director of the Department of Commerce in the Ministry of Tourism, Commerce and Industry, has expressed his enthusiasm for this initiative which will greatly help people, especially foreigners, find their way around Baucau’s business community.

Mr. Mariano dos Santos, Police Immigration Border Sector Commander, recognized that the Buy Local Baucau Guide fills a void. “Foreigners always ask us to give them information about businesses, hotels, restaurants, car rental agencies, etc.,” he said.

Baucau, Timor-Leste’s second-largest town, hosts an important expatriate community. Comprehensive and detailed profiles of each Baucau business are available on the PDT Timor-Leste Online Procurement Database (www.BuildingMarkets.org) More personalized assistance is also available at PDT’s Baucau office in Baucau Kota Lama.

PDT Timor-Leste Resumes District Reverification Program

2009-02-27T17:09:00.003+09:00

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

2009-02-23T16:01:00.003+09:00

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

2009-02-13T15:03:00.003+09:00

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

2009-02-12T09:58:00.002+09:00

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.

Victoria Bill Buy Local

2009-01-26T15:19:00.001+09:00

Fly Local, Build Timor-Leste

2009-01-22T14:57:00.002+09:00

The Government Buys Locally - $27 million

2008-11-30T13:28:00.001+09:00

The below lists represent a history of all of the "Intent to Award" notices posted by the Government of Timor-Leste in local newspapers since July 2008. Tens of millions of dollars of local procurement.

For more details see the Peace Dividend Trust Tender Website.

PDT commences a multi-year handover plan to the Ministry of Tourism Commerce and Industry.

2008-11-19T09:27:00.001+09:00

Peace Dividend Trust has commenced a multi-year handover plan of the www.buy-in-timor.org online database to the Ministry of Tourism Commerce and Industry (MTCI). Osorio Correia (adviser to the Minister for TCI) and Florentina Smith (Director of the Research and Development Dept in the MTCI) are pictured discussing the beginning of the handover with Rod Nixon and Madelena Guterres of PDT.

PDT and MTCI have a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which articulates the mutual desire to eventually transfer the Timor-Leste Online Procurement Database (www.buy-in-timor.org) to the MTCI within the next 3-4 years depending on resource and capacity issues.

To this end the MTCI and PDT have developed a flexible transfer plan, and on 18 November 2008 MTCI civil servants Mario Filipe (Database Entry Officer) and Angelito da Costa (Information Officer and Database) commenced working in PDT's Balide Office with a view to building capacity so as to be able to absorb www.buy-in-timor.org in due course. MTCI is providing transport and information technology resources in addition to staff.

More MTCI staff will rotate through PDT over the coming years.

Peace Dividend Trust is funded by AusAID and Norway.

CheapCarDili

2008-11-13T16:23:00.004+09:00

CheapCarDili-pdt.blogspot.com

The owner of the pictured sedan for hire is Senhor Jaime Maia. Snhr Maia is a civil servant in the Ministry of Justice., and hails from the central highland Letefoho subdistrict in Ermera. He is pictured washing "CheapCarDili".

"CheapCarDili" can be picked up or delivered.

Snhr Maia speaks Tetun and Indonesian with some Portuguese and English. He can be contacted via voice and SMS on mobile +670 723 0272. If you cannot get through send an SMS.

The vehicle is for rent by the day/week for $25-30/day. Drivers and other details can be arranged on an as required basis.

The vehicle is suitable for Dili streets only and cannot be taken to the Districts.

Australian Parliamentary Delegation Visits Peace Dividend Trust Office in Baucau, Timor-Leste. 3 November 2008

2008-11-11T16:52:00.002+09:00

Members of the Australian delegation listen to a presentation on PDT’s activities and first-year results.

Australian MP Mr Kelvin Thomson MP, leader of the delegation that visited PDT’s Baucau office on 3 November 2008, presents Adalgiza Marcal, PDT’s Baucau Office Representative, with a gift from the Australian Government.

Australian Senator Michaelia Cash, WA converses with PDT Micro Matchmaking Associate Ilidio Ximenes about PDT’s activities in Baucau. In the background, Australian MP Mrs Louise Markus and PDT Country Director Claire Parois discuss Baucau.

The Australian Parliamentary Delegation that visited PDT’s Baucau office on 3 November 2008. From left to right, they are Robin Scott-Charlton (AusAID), Mr Brett Raguse MP, Member for Forde (Qld) (ALP), delegation leader Mr Kelvin Thomson MP, Member for Wills (Vic) (ALP), deputy delegation leader Mrs Louise Markus MP, Member for Greenway (NSW) (Liberal), Senator Michaelia Cash, WA.

Doing the Business in East Timor - UNTAET era economic development......

2008-11-07T13:20:00.001+09:00

ABC Radio National - Background Briefing: 7 May 2000 - Doing the Business in East Timor

[This is the print version of story http://www.abc.net.au/rn/talks/bbing/stories/s125738.htm]

Program Transcript

Gerald Tooth:The serious clean-up of Dili has only just begun, but as the charred shards of debris are shovelled out of burnt out buildings, business is already thriving.

Hotels have burst forth out of the rubble, warehouses risen out of swamps, and rental car yards replaced military barracks.

It's expected that 1.2 billion dollars of international funding will be spent rebuilding East Timor over the next three to four years, and there's a race to be part of it.

It is however a race without rules and it's got some East Timorese questioning what their struggle for independence really was all about.

I'm Gerald Tooth and today Background Briefing will take you to East Timor where we're going to look at some of the activities of Australian business in the world's newest and most vulnerable nation, where order is still a gruelling marathon away and chaos is just one step backwards.

MARKET ATMOS

Gerald Tooth: It may have stopped burning late last year, but Dili still smells like smoke. Some of that is smoke of market vendors cooking, but there's a darker more acrid smell in empty streets where every second house is a crumpled wreck, and it's a smell that hangs on in the houses that are left standing..

There's also a growing odour about the free-for-all that is free enterprise in the city. And likewise it's a smell that's not about to go away in a hurry. Because the sanitising influence of an independent government and a functioning judicial system is still a while off.

VOICES AND TRAFFIC ATMOS

East Timor is in a state of compete flux. It is a nation of 800 thousand people inventing itself as an independent state; yet it is a nation which already has a long history.

On the streets people speak their own language - Tetum. But they also speak the languages of their many colonisers, Portuguese, Indonesian - and most recently English. They trade with Rupiah, American dollars or Australian dollars in an essentially tax free economy.

Their cars carry the number plates of the UN, of aid agencies, of the Northern Territory, or frequently, no number plate at all.

The law of the land is Indonesian law, combined in a mish mash fashion with UN regulations. But there are no courts or tribunals to address breaches of those laws, and, as the UN has found out to its dismay, its own ability to enforce them is at best weak.

With the UN, aid agencies and private consortiums all coming in since the independence ballot, some East Timorese are even saying as though they're standing by yet again, as another invasion takes place.

They've formed an organisation called Rebuild Watch.

Sitting in a restaurant on Dili's seafront esplanade Rebuild Watch's spokesperson Maria Bernardino looks content as she heartily eats a plateful of fresh seafood and rice - seemingly watched over by Peter Cosgrove, who's photo has been cut from a magazine and stuck on the wall above.

But with the meal finished she reveals her growing anger and frustration at the latest wave of foreigners to arrive in East Timor. And her view is one that is becoming widespread amongst East Timorese.

Maria Bernadino: At this point in time it feels like East Timorese is going through another invasion. Foreign business invasion, foreign UN invasion of East Timor.

Gerald Tooth: Why do you use that word that's a very strong word. Why do you use the word invasion?

Maria Bernadino: Because this is exactly what it is. This is no different, or at least not much different from the Indonesian invasion. All they need to do now is go around shooting people and torture people and that'll be exactly the same. The discrimination is still there. The ill treatment is still there, the Timorese are treated as animals in East Timor. We are discriminated upon. Their skills are not being recognised. They're discriminated when it comes to employment as well. We have had no help so far from international community, in trying to set up the business, or UN.

Gerald Tooth: The UN is the government in East Timor. It's the first time they've been responsible for administering an entire country, which they are doing under the banner of the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor, known as UNTAET.

Mario Bernadino's criticism that nothing's being done to help locals start businesses doesn't hold true. The World Bank, with four million US dollars of UN pledged funds, has set up a small business loans scheme.

Her claims of discrimination against East Timorese workers are based on the lack of work in East Timor, while foreigners are seen to be winning highly paid contracts with the UN.

Unemployment is estimated to be as high as 95 per cent. It's a figure the UN disputes without offering an alternative.

And those East Timorese who do find jobs find stark wage disparities between foreigners and locals. UNTAET has set a maximum wage of five American dollars a day for unskilled Timorese workers, while foreigners working for the same organisation could be earning ten times that in hardship allowance alone.

The reality is though, foreign businesses are the major employers in East Timor right now. The UN is in the process of recruiting 7000 East Timorese civil servants, and a visit to any workplace reveals that foreign owned companies have made a point of employing locals.

Nevertheless the UN does share some of Maria Bernadino's concerns.

ATMOS

Reader: Good morning I haven't seen you since January I think as a group, and I apologise for that.

Gerald Tooth: At a recent press conference in Dili UNTAET head, Brazilian Sergio de Mello said he was disturbed by the initial approach taken by some foreign investors.

Sergio de Mello: Yes I had concerns at the beginning because it seemed to be a free for all. Anyone who wished to open any business, any small business was able to do so. Things are now getting under control. We issued as you know a regulation on the registration of the commercial enterprises so they must register with us. The moment they register with us they are also notified that they will when we have that capacity have to pay taxes retroactively to the date of their registration. So it is not a tax-free regime that they enjoy here. This is not the far west.

Gerald Tooth: Does he think some of those foreigners have taken unfair advantage of the situation?

Sergio de Mello: The answer is yes, but was the advantage unfair. I mean they just came in. They took advantage of the situation. Was it unfair? I wouldn't want to pass a judgment. But we certainly cannot tolerate a free for all type of environment for very much longer.

Gerald Tooth: Sergio de Mello's assurances that order and regulation are just around the corner are not born out by the facts. There is no functioning court system and won't be for some time.

The regulations passed by the UN since it took over are precarious. UNTAET's interim status undermines their authority, and as you will hear even the UN is prepared to ignore them when they're inconvenient.

Most significantly though an East Timorese government is on the way, and it will be making the lasting laws.

Jose Ramos Horta will be one of those at the top of the decision making tree, and his view on taxing foreign investors is sharply at odds with Sergio de Mello's.

Jose Ramos Horta: The basis of East Timor's future economy has to be free enterprise. Philosophically we all believe in it, and as far as I'm concerned we haven't made any decision yet, policy yet, but as far as I'm concerned I would say that anyone with a foreign investor wishing to invest here and create jobs in the process, and at the same time generate export and a foreign exchange income for East Timor should not pay any tax at all. So East Timor should be totally a tax free country for investors who put here millions of dollars, who create jobs and generate foreign exchange for the country.

Gerald Tooth: Along with Xanana Gusmao, Jose Ramos Horta leads the dominant political party in East Timor, the National Council of Timorese Resistance - or CNRT.

An election is being planned for late in 2001 which is expected to install a CNRT led government.

The party is basically an umbrella organisation that contains most of the resistance groups who fought against the Indonesian occupation. As such it remains a volatile combination of many different viewpoints.

In general though the party, like Jose Ramos Horta, is welcoming of foreign investment.

But this is East Timor's most recent dilemma and the one that will consume it as it builds itself into an independent nation.

How does it secure the ongoing help it needs - help that has to come in the long term from foreign investors - in an environment of such profound uncertainties.

Mark Plunkett is a prominent Brisbane lawyer who has built a career on grappling with these issues in troubled UN missions around the world. He has a significant presence in East Timor through his Paxiquest and Paximus group of companies that consult on issues of conflict resolution and the rule of law. They also run a temporary hotel in Dili.

Speaking by phone, Market Plunkett says careful thought needs to be given to the way foreign enterprises are allowed to set up in places like East Timor.

Mark Plunkett: It's very very difficult to enter into these small third world economies without causing huge market disparities in terms of what you pay for goods, in terms of what you pay workers. And of course you want to pay them what's fair, what's right and what's proper. And you are in a very strong position advantage because you're resourced and they're completely under-resourced in terms of opportunities to obtain employment. So that you can cause huge market distortions, even if you're well meaning. So there is the opening to the accusation that they are profiting at the misery of others.

But part of the reality of peace-keeping is people get paid do it. Who would begrudge the INTERFET troops for having a tax free income to the time they are taking the risk has always been the situation that Australian troops don't pay tax in war or warlike zones. Who would begrudge Qantas which is now flying into East Timor not to be able to make a profit on their tickets?

The reality is that you won't get businesses in there, and you won't even get humanitarian workers there on government organisations unless they can pay their rent at home and pay for their children's so forth and so on. So there always will be disparities in income earned by the peacekeepers and by the people who they are seeking to serve. And it often gives rise to for example accusations of wage apartheid. Why are the workers getting paid who are indigenous at such a lowly rate compared to the international workers who are getting paid an extraordinarily high rate? And part of that's about the economy of scale, about the fact that the international workers have to pay their bills in their countries of origins.

But again it comes back to this point that peacekeepers who go into a country are well resourced and are going to earn a living out of their peacekeeping, whether they're private enterprise or public sector operatives. And the point is to ensure that the delivery - as much as possible the delivery of resources remains in the country.

Gerald Tooth: He says the establishment of the rule of law is the most important foundation stone for nation building. His assessment of the UN's performance in East Timor in regard to this is simple - it's not moving fast enough.

Mark Plunkett: Rather to the contrary a lot of the mistakes that we have ourselves committed in previous peace operations are being repeated here in East Timor. And a lot of our moderate successes are not being built upon in East Timor.

What is essential is to have a comprehensive, co-ordinated campaign plan for the re-establishment of the Rule of Law. There is no such plan in East Timor, yet reflective practitioners and engaged scholars of peacekeeping have reached a fairly acute level of awareness, and also have recorded and detailed the techniques and the models that can be used for this; none of which are being employed in East Timor. So that you're having inflation breakout, you're having a lot of idle impatient youth, you're having a lot of angry disgruntled people and you're having an outbreak, particularly over the last few days, of a very serious lawlessness, where people are reverting to violence as their main means of resolving disputes.

If for example there were no courts, there was no law and there were no police, then if someone raped our sisters or bashed our mothers then we would take the law into our own hands, and go out and deliver justice retributive - in like circumstances. It's very very important to establish a merit review system based on justice. But it's also very very important to bring about a negotiated compliance with the Rule of Law by explaining to people that they can resolve their conflicts without having to use machetes and guns.

Lawyer Mark Plunkett.

Gerald Tooth: So far though there's no shortage of Australian businesses willing to hurl themselves headlong into this well of uncertainty that will determine East Timor's future.

Sixty have registered with the UN and some, whether they like it or not, are already providing graphic illustrations of the pitfalls for both investors and the Timorese.

TELSTRA FX - the number entered is zero four zero

Leading the pack, virtually landing on the beach with the Australian-led INTERFET troops was corporate giant Telstra who set up a mobile service in Dili and is busy rehabilitating East Timor's land line services.

Telstra was originally contracted by the Australian Defence Forces to support their operation for its duration. When INTERFET departed the UN offered Telstra a temporary contract, giving it a short term monopoly over East Timor's telecommunications system.

That monopoly is illegal however, because UNTAET has since reinstated Indonesian law as the law of the land to fill the legal vacuum.

Indonesian foreign investment laws require foreign-owned Telco companies to take on a Timorese joint venture partner with at least a 10 per cent stake in the business, which Telstra hasn't done.

Martin Hardie is an Australian lawyer who works as an adviser to the leader of East Timor's Socialist Party the PST. Previously he has fulfilled a similar role for the CNRT in Xanana Gusmao's office. He works in a building on Dili's waterfront in a room at the back. Outside his window the local boys soccer team idly fills in time between training sessions.

Martin Hardie says the UNTAET regulation puts Telstra in a very difficult position.

Martin Hardie: Therefore Indonesian foreign investment law applies in Timor today. You have to read the legislation as if it was a Timorese law. And the effect of that is that it's illegal for a telecommunications operation to be run by a fully foreign owned company. Nobody seems to have discussed this in the UN or in Telstra at this stage, and it's a matter that I think will need to be resolved fairly quickly.

Gerald Tooth: What you're saying is that Telstra's operation in East Timor today is in fact illegal?;

Martin Hardie: Yes. Yes. On the basis of the law that applies in East Timor, they're breaking the law every day.

Gerald Tooth: What's the consequence of that?

Martin Hardie: Well the consequence could be that if some Timorese people wanted to take issue with it, their operation could be closed down and damages might flow.

Gerald Tooth: Martin Hardie.

A couple of blocks away behind the Dili soccer ground sits the former Indonesian Telecom building, which now houses Telstra. Tony Reid, Telstra's Country Manager for East Timor, has an office upstairs overlooking the marketplace where recent gang violence broke out.

UNTAET passed its first regulation in November but Tony Reid has only just found out it has implications for the operation he's overseeing.

Tony Reid: Well it means that it's just another issue that needs to be dealt with. I think that we've been in an environment virtually from the day that we came here of uncertainty, and the prime objective for us was to restore the communications here. If that presents a problem for us then it's a problem that needs to be addressed, and we'll seek to address it.

Gerald Tooth: Why wasn't it addressed initially?

Tony Reid: It wasn't made aware to us initially. We were unaware that this was going to be the case. When we first came into this country they were under martial law. And under INTERFET they had the powers to do whatever was necessary to maintain stability. And that was the operation's original intention. And we came in during that period.

Gerald Tooth: So ostensibly though, you benefited from the uncertainty in the law at that point in time.

Tony Reid: We believe that East Timor has benefited from that as well.

Gerald Tooth: But as things stand, technically Telstra's operation here is illegal.

Tony Reid: Stop.

Gerald Tooth: You won't answer that, or ...

Tony Reid: Well I want you to stop recording, yeah.

Gerald Tooth: With the recorder turned off Tony Reid said he would not answer any questions about the legality of their operations.

He said he'd only just become aware of the Foreign Investment provisions in the last 24 hours, and would not discuss the matter without getting legal advice.

At the time of going to air he said the situation still remained unclear and he was waiting for formal notification from UNTAET about the situation.

Like Telstra UNTAET were totally unaware that they'd effectively outlawed the operation of the country's only telecommunications system.

Bob Churcher is UNTAET's equivalent of the Communications Minister. He works out of UNTAET headquarters, the most prominent building in Dili, which will eventually house the new nation's own government.

He says enforcing the law in this instance is not in the best interests of East Timor.

Bob Churcher: You're quite right that our attention has been drawn to this. My attention was drawn to this just yesterday, and I'm afraid that I was not personally aware of that. But I don't see that it's relevant. As a government we have a duty to provide services, and although we're only administration, we're taking the part of the government here, we have a duty to provide telecommunication services as much as we have a duty to provide roads or electricity or water or anything else. And so we have to go ahead. We've inherited a situation which was not necessarily of our making and we're going to make the best of it that there is on behalf of the people of East Timor.

Gerald Tooth: But the implication there is that you are providing a telecommunications system in breach of the current law?

Bob Churcher: I wouldn't agree with that. I think you would have to read Article One which provided that we continue with Indonesian law in the spirit with which it was meant. It was not meant that we should start excluding services which were already being provided.

Gerald Tooth: You're saying that the Indonesian law is in fact irrelevant in this situation, or just simply shouldn't be applied?

Bob Churcher: I'm saying that it has now become relevant possibly. But it was clearly not relevant at the time the agreement was started. So we inherited a situation which became in breach of the law after we passed Article One. I think that's an oversight that can easily be addressed, but it's not necessarily a matter of great concern.

My view would be that we have a duty to provide telecommunication services and we're doing so within the limitations of the present situation of funding. And I think the particular aspect to look at here is the question of funding. We're getting this done at no cost and the repair of all this equipment and everything else at no cost to the country of East Timor. And frankly it's somebody else's risk.

Were it be a choice I would not spend any money which I should be spending on hospitals or roads on telecommunications when I can get that done commercially.

Gerald Tooth: Timor may be getting its phone system restored and improved at no cost, but it's also getting it at no profit. And there are handsome profits to be made there right now.

The UN mission alone has brought more than 10,000 people into the country.

Add to that a plethora of non government organisations and private businesses and there's quite a sizable phone using population. And to this point in time they've had no option but to use mobile phones for all their calls.

The land line system is only just being restored and is very limited. As a result virtually the whole foreign population in East Timor carry and use mobile phones, and the East Timorese also are using them in growing numbers.

Telstra confirmed it was making a profit in this sector of its operation - though it would not say how much.

East Timor in the meantime isn't going to see any of the income from those profits, because the UN is not enforcing the law that would make Telstra give up 10 per cent of its business to a local partner; something Telstra says it has not considered to date.

Jose Ramos Horta however says it's better to have Telstra and phones that work than pursue their profits. He says he's not concerned about the situation.

Jose Ramos Horta: Not really, I think they have done a valuable service to the country, and we have to be grateful for that, and I hope they expand - they continue the work until such a time when there is an international tender and there is fair competition by everybody to see who will have in the end the strategic, the final benefit of controlling a majority of East Timor telecommunications.

Gerald Tooth: Do you have any concerns that there wasn't a tender process in the first place when Telstra set up here?

Jose Ramos Horta: No I'm not concerned. It was impossible. We needed one right then and there, and we still need one. If Telstra were to freeze, to pull out, it would be disastrous. So I'm glad they're here and I think they've been a valuable service and it is a highly respected company and very competent around the world, and if they win the international tender. Why not, I'll be pleased.

Gerald Tooth: Jose Ramos Horta

Australia's Communications Minister, Senator Richard Alston declined to comment on the situation. A spokesperson for the Minister said the legal status of Telstra's operation was not an issue as far as they were concerned, and it was entirely a matter for the UN.

TELSTRA FX - ...charges will apply immediately if you proceed after the tone ...

Gerald Tooth: The legal status of its operation aside, Telstra's business practices in East Timor are also being criticised.

In Australia the Australian Consumer and Competition Commission has just found that Telstra has been overcharging the other telcos using its network to the tune of 80 million dollars a year.

In East Timor, lawyer Martin Hardie is critical of Telstra's mobile phone rates. He says Telstra hasn't made it clear to their mobile phone customers that discount rates available in Australia aren't on offer.

Martin Hardie: When Telstra came in, they promoted their service as being the same as the service in Australia. They said that the call rates will be the same as mobile call rates in Australia. What they didn't say was they would be the same as the full rate of calling in Australia and we would not get any of the benefits of discount rates at night time, weekends or calling mobile to mobile as you receive in Australia. So everybody's been charged the highest rate possible for every call that they make, and it seems for the calls that they don't make. Because the network's busy all of the time, a lot of the calls aren't successful and they divert to message bank. The Timorese people are spending vasts amounts of money on re-charge cards for their telephones and using most of that money to collect their messages when the calls haven't come through to them.

Gerald Tooth: What evidence do you have to support that argument that Telstra is charging the top rate, seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day?

Martin Hardie: My phone bills. And I've enquired with people when I've paid my phone bills and they've told me that none of the discounts apply in Timor.

Gerald Tooth: Martin Hardie.

Telstra's in country manager Tony Reid says they're only charging the same rates as those that were being charged by Indonesian Telecom before the independence ballot.

Tony Reid: In terms of the price that they are charging now, they are in line with what was being charged before. I think it was a quick solution in a country that had no communications at all.

Gerald Tooth: What you're saying is that there's no discounted rates on mobile phone use in Dili like there is in Australia, or that there is?

Tony Reid: We're not in Australia.

Gerald Tooth: So it's a flat rate. It's the top rate all the time.

Tony Reid: There are several rates that apply to mobile phone calls. There are several different plans. Those plans that operate in Australia are operating here. The services here, there's a large slice of them are pre-paid because a lot of the customers are international customers and that's the way that they want to pay for it. And on those basis they're still the same rates as they are in Australia. The only thing that may not be there is some of the after-hours rates that are applicable in Australia. They can be afforded, to be offered in Australia where you've got an Australia-wide network. In East Timor we have a much smaller network and it's the only form of communications.

Gerald Tooth: Tony Reid

Telstra's mobile service in East Timor is in fact regarded as part of the Australian network. Certainly the service component of the network, such as call connect and number inquiries are all sourced in Australia. And calls to Australia from East Timor are billed at what is called the remote rate which applies within Australia, as opposed to the international rate.

As well Telstra was paid by the Australian Defence Force to set up its operation there. An expense met by Australian tax payers.

ATMOS

Another area of legal uncertainty is the exploration of the region's oil and gas reserves.

For the moment the East Timor Gap Treaty is sitting quietly in a back corner, but it just could be the party pooper that turns out the lights on the current festivities at the Australia-East Timor mutual admiration club.

The Treaty was signed in 1989 by the then Australian Foreign Minister, Gareth Evans and his Indonesian counterpart Ali Alitas.

Its basic effect was to extend Australia's normal seabed exploration rights to un-normal lengths, taking them virtually to East Timor's doorstep through the creation of a Zone of Co-operation.

It gave Australia shared royalties with Indonesia from rich oil and gas fields discovered there.

Despite now benefiting directly from the royalties East Timorese view the arrangements as unfair, and want to renegotiate its terms.

Jose Ramos Horta says the current 50-50 split of royalties in the shared area of co-operation is untenable.

Jose Ramos Horta: What I'm saying is that so far we are happy to continue to live with the terms of the agreement for the next year or two or three years. However at the same time we must begin negotiations to review some of the terms. And what I'm saying is that the Australians are fair-minded, very generous. Prime Minister John Howard and Alexander Downer seem to be two most compassionate individuals on this planet.

So I believe that they both will take the initiative themselves, without waiting for bargaining from the UN side or our side. They will take the initiative themselves in offering a better deal to the East Timorese. For instance if you look into the Timor Sea map and if you notice where the gas and oil findings are located, I would do dare to say that up to 90% of the revenues from there could go to East Timor if we have a fair deal.

Gerald Tooth: In your view is the deal as it stands now though, unfair?

Jose Ramos Hortas: Well it was a pity that we were not involved. We did not negotiate it. It was a treaty that involved Australia and Indonesia. At the time Indonesia was not interested so much in the oil and gas, it was interested in Australia's recognition of Indonesia's sovereignty of East Timor. For Indonesia at the time far more important was that it gained Australia's recognition of it's sovereignty of East Timor. So it was prepared to go along with a number of areas that in other circumstances it should not have accepted. Because if one look at the map of the region and where the oil and natural gas are, obviously it should go to East Timor.

Gerald Tooth: And you think that will happen?

Jose Ramos Hortas: Well I have unlimited faith in the Australian people. Unlimited faith in John Howard and Alexander Downer's compassion, and the sense of justice. Instead of let's say, instead of Australia every year give money to East Timor partly foreign aid like it does to Papua New Guinea, why just don't let East Timor benefit from it's own oil and gas and at the same time reduce Australia's external aid assistance to East Timor.

Gerald Tooth: Jose Ramos Horta

A renegotiation of the Treaty's terms along such lines is likely to shake the confidence of some oil companies looking to further develop the region. And the place where that will be felt is the Northern Territory.

For over a decade the Northern Territory has been gearing up to cash in on the oil and gas industry in the Timor Sea.

The recent go ahead for the Bayu-Undan oil and gas field located 500 km North West of Darwin, and 250 km South of East Timor is the last piece in the shimmering jigsaw.

It's expected to eventually pump out oil and gas worth over three billion dollars a year.

It's the business generated by that which Darwin is banking on to re-invent itself.

The Northern Territory Government is developing what it calls its HUB PLAN in an effort to turn Darwin into a major port in South East Asia.

It's undertaking a 200 million dollar port redevelopment that will be linked to the 1.2 billion dollar Darwin to Alice Springs railway development.

It will all be made viable by the expected business of support industries for oil and gas exploration and then the refining of those resources when they come to Darwin by pipeline.

Any renegotiation of the Timor Gap Treaty would hold up Dennis Burke's grand vision.

Not surprisingly the NT Chief Minister is adamant that the deal as it stands is a fair one. And Mr Burke certainly has influence with the Prime Minister.

Recently he convinced John Howard to let him keep his mandatory sentencing laws and give him five million dollars to implement them, when there was enormous pressure on Howard to scrap them.

Jose Ramos Horta's unlimited faith in the Prime Minister to offer a better deal on the Timor Gap Treaty may founder on Dennis Burke's sphere of influence.

Dennis Burke: I would say that if the Timor Sea gap taxation provisions were renegotiated, Australia would play an even harder bargain that they played before. I would think that the negotiations that were done when the Indonesians had control was a very good deal for Indonesia at the time. And that deal passed directly through to East Timor. It was probably the best deal they would get.

So I wouldn't be fearful if I were East Timorese about loss of revenue. I'd simply be hoping that the Australian government did everything possible to assist industry to get that field up. Because frankly when it comes to gas world-wide there are plenty of alternate supplies besides the Timor Sea.

Gerald Tooth: But not for the Northern Territory and Dennis Burke there isn't.

Oil and gas aren't the only benefits to the Northern Territory in relation to East Timor.

The Northern Territory government has been very active in promoting business in East Timor. Some say too active.

Some Northern Territory companies known as the Silver Circle are on the ground in East Timor. They're businesses which have connections to the Northern Territory's ruling Country Liberal Party.

The one who has received the most publicity is multi-millionaire Wayne Thomas. He set up a hotel in East Timor called the Dili Lodge that has been at the centre of much controversy.

Made of prefabricated units, it's located on the outskirts of Dili near the airport.

Heading to the city it's the first major structure the visitor sees. Out the front is a line of new vehicles for hire and a sign advertising hot pies, cold beer and vacancies.

The development cost three million dollars, and one of its investors is Federal Liberal Party President and former Northern Territory Chief Minister Shane Stone; who chipped in around 75 thousand dollars through a venture capital investment company.

The lodge has room for up to 200 guests at 110 Australian dollars a night.

It was built on land formerly occupied by the Indonesian army in Dili. In December 1999 the UN ordered the hotel closed down, and the buildings removed - deeming Wayne Thomas's lease unlawful because the ownership of the property was in dispute.

Wayne Thomas and his East Timorese partner Manuel Carascalao stood their ground and the UN eventually backed down, allowing the business to keep operating.

The whole fiasco only made clear that the UN was incapable of enforcing its own regulations covering land use. The Thomas lease was signed in the Northern Territory, and as such fell under Northern Territory law, which as events unfolded, proved impervious to the UN regulation and the Indonesian law in place in East Timor.

The Thomas venture is also often pointed to as an example of the Silver Circle turning up in Timor.

Other Northern Territory companies in Timor along with Wayne Thomas include Henry Walker Eltin, who own Air North which was the first commercial airline running a service to Dili.

There's Wastemaster, owned by The Hannon Group who have the contract to dispose of the UN's waste.

Perkins Shipping is also there, while builders Sitlzer Brothers came in immediately after the crisis in a delegation that included the Northern Territory Water and Power Authority. Most of them are names on the political donors list to the CLP.

Last year Perkins Shipping gave 30 thousand dollars to the CLP. Smaller donations rolled in from Henry Walker Eltin and Sitlzer Brothers.

While Wastemaster director Michael John Hannon is in a partnership with former NT Chief Minister, Paul Everingham in the Australian Lottery Company.

Martin Hardie says the Northern Territory's business ethos has come to Timor with them.

Martin Hardie: There is an attempt to establish or - it may not be a conscious one, maybe it's part of the business culture of the Northern Territory - but there seems to be an attempt to engender favour amongst the Silver Circle of Timorese businessmen at the expense of other Timorese and Australian businesses.

Gerald Tooth: Martin Hardie is critical of the activities of Mike Gallagher who is employed by the Northern Territory government to facilitate its interests in East Timor. Top of the list is helping Northern Territory businesses to get set up.

I meet Mike Gallagher in the beer garden at the Hotel Dili and ask him what sort of businesses have benefited from his services.

Mike Gallagher: Certainly one of the early businesses to come in here was the establishment of the Timor Lodge which is just on the outskirts of Dili. It was viewed at the time that this establishment was very necessary; both for business persons to stay at a reasonable form of accommodation and also for UNTAET staff accommodation. That establishment certainly has gone through some trials, but it is now up and running correctly, and appears to have certainly the support of the business community.

Gerald Tooth: Is it fair to say that there was a perception surrounding that that the Northern Territory was promoting in the interests of former CLP members. That Shane Stone had an interest in that organisation?

Mike Gallagher: No, look I can't comment on that. My background is that it was a group of Northern Territory investors coming over to establish a form of accommodation to assist in the development of the, or to provide a form of accommodation for business and UNTAET persons.

Gerald Tooth: Mike Gallagher

Back in Darwin, Northern Territory Chief Minister Dennis Burke is defending the way his government does business in Dili. He denies claims that the CLP connected companies are being favoured.

Dennis Burke: Well my immediate response is that I'm surprised to hear it. The liaison officer in East Timor, in Dili, Mike Gallagher who's been there right through some very troubled times, knowing the gentleman myself he would assist any NT business that was trying to get entrée into East Timor. The reality of many of our businesses are, the more mature businesses that the Northern Territory tend to be generally considered to be part of the Silver Circle in any case. So I would say that the criticism seems fairly unfounded, but I can understand it would come from some sectors.

Gerald Tooth: Well the list of NT businesses that are there, Henry & Walker with Air North and Wastemaster, with Hannon, Thrifty Car Rentals, Perkins Shipping, Sitlzer Builders turned up early in the piece, and Wayne Thomas. That criticism carries that they all have demonstrable associations with the CLP. And there is that perception that they've been pushed in there by the government. Given a ride or a leg-up by the government.

Dennis Burke: Well I dispute that entirely. And apart from you raising that now, I can tell you that my efforts have been directed in general terms through public servants in assisting business generally, and the only criticism that I've heard is essentially criticism that's been directed straight at me. And that was for not getting involved in the Thomas venture when it was being criticised. And I said that this was an issue for that business and the UN authorities at the time.

Gerald Tooth: But do you acknowledge that they're considered, or most of those businesses are considered to have been or are part of the Silver Circle?

Dennis Burke: No I don't think anyone knows what the Silver Circle is frankly. It's been around for so long, people just use this word Silver Circle and I can tell you I don't know what the Silver Circle is. I know of some business people who are sympathetic to the CLP, and I can tell you some of them don't like me at all; including I would imagine Wayne Thomas at the moment. Because he was very critical of the fact I didn't intervene on his behalf when he was criticised by the UN.

Gerald Tooth: And it's just coincidence that these people have associations with the CLP?

Dennis Burke: It's coincidence, yes. Because you know in the case of Wayne Thomas, there's a person who sees an opportunity. You mentioned one of the hire car rent-a-car companies - that individual is an entrepreneur in his own right. He wouldn't take any advice from me either way, and didn't.

Gerald Tooth: Dennis Burke

Jose Ramos Horta however welcomes the Northern Territory's business.

Jose Ramos Horta: I want to look at the East Timor economy and Northern Territory as integrated, and not as competing. So if we look at the northern people of Australia and the island of East Timor and the part of the region as part of an economy, then there is no reason for each side to try to get a better deal. What we have to look at is how Australia can help develop in East Timor because a stable prosperous East Timor will be very good for Australia's economy. It will be very good for Australian business. So by building here infrastructures around the oil and natural gas sector, will benefit Australian business. So Northern Territory must see East Timor as some sort of an extension of its own economy and East Timor should see Northern Territory as an extension of its own economy.

Gerald Tooth: Do you have any concerns that if that actually does happen that East Timor will be overwhelmed by the Northern Territory?

Jose Ramos Horta: Oh maybe we would overwhelm Northern Territory, I'm not so worried about that. Who knows a few years from now everybody in Northern Territory will be start speaking Tetum or Portuguese.

Gerald Tooth: Jose Ramos Horta

Of course it's not only Northern Territory businesses that have gone to Timor. They've come from everywhere.

Queensland-based Paximus, whose primary role is conflict resolution, have found themselves in conflict with a local land owner over their 82 room hotel in Dili. This provides an example of how even a well intentioned company can strike trouble.

The landowner told Background Briefing through her lawyer, that she'd expected a health clinic to be built on the site when she leased it to Paximus director Gary Wood for 700 Australian dollars a month.

The woman, who is a prominent Dili land owner does not speak English; and for her lawyer Eusavio Gutteres, English is his fourth language.

Eusavio Gutteres: Gary, Gary just said to Rosentina now I've come here to help you, you know. My mission is I'm like - I work like NGO. I'm not for private company. So the madam say okay, we accept you because you work like humanitarian or NGO to help us, okay. Please set up clinic and help our people, the Timorese. So not for set up hotels.

Gerald Tooth: Eusavio Gutteres

Paximus counters that the allegation is simply not true, and the land owner was at all times aware of their planned use of the land. That she in fact gave them a list of people to employ at the hotel, and her daughter was given the job of receptionist.

The hotel is set up as a non-profit organisation that feeds funds back into Paximus's conflict resolution training and other humanitarian activities on a pro-bono basis.

Lawyer and company director Mark Plunkett says he's dismayed at the disagreement because at all times his company has practiced what it preaches and bent over backwards to behave in an ethical fashion.

Mark Plunkett: But notwithstanding that you're bound to get into disputes. I mean there have always been disputes about wages or value of payment. And if people who are in difficult desperate circumstances, why wouldn't they ask for more money or more pay. It's a reasonable human reaction on their part, and it's difficult where there is no court to take it to a judicial umpire. So it's necessary for people in the dispute to be skilled at being able to manage that dispute by interactive problem solving and negotiations. And it can be done. And I think if those sorts of things are brought into place when these disputes occur, then I'm reasonably confident that most of them can be sorted out including the one that we are involved in ourselves.

Gerald Tooth: Mark Plunkett

It appears that in this case the Timorese land owner is using this allegation to bring pressure to bear on the foreign investor to pay more rent after having reached an agreement in good faith.

One of the major criticisms of foreign investors is that most have failed to enter into joint ventures with the East Timorese.

But being in a joint venture is no guarantee of avoiding confusion and accusations of profiteering.

The story of the gravel quarry in the town of Liquica, where one of the most horrific massacres of the East Timor crisis took place, illustrates this.

There, another Queensland-based civil engineering company J J McDonald & Sons is in a 50-50 partnership with an East Timorese businessman as the Timor Construction Company.

They secured a 15 year lease on a gravel quarry, vital to their road building business for the sum of 18 buffalo, 36 chickens, 12 goats, 6 pigs and a monthly supply of rice. The UN saw this as a blatant attempt to profit at the expense of the local owners and stepped in and demanded the contract be re-written.

So far it hasn't been sorted out.

J J McDonald spokesman Matt Heery, speaking by telephone from his Townsville home, says it will be soon.

Matt Heery: There is a program there where our joint venture partner was used to negotiating deals back in the cultural sense of supplying landowners with rice and cattle and goats and there was no friction as far as the negotiations go.

But we certainly did take advice both from the United Nations and the quarry owners, and I believe that negotiations are progressing along very well at the moment. And may I stress a point that as an Australian company in a joint venture relationship, one must take the lead of your local people, and if that was the way it was negotiated. Since then we have noted that's not accepted by the United Nations and we are certainly addressing that at the moment.

Gerald Tooth: Well it's been presented to me as an example of profiteering that's been going on in East Timor, and the United Nations were certainly concerned that that was the case.

Matt Heery: Oh it might be an example. I mean some people might suggest an example of profiteering. I mean it certainly wasn't, but there's been no agenda for us to manipulate any system, or to make substantial profits at the cost of, I guess the ignorance for want of a better word of the local community. We're very, I mean we encourage the local community to assist us in that regard and you can bet London to the brick that we probably don't do it a hundred per cent, but we're getting better.

Edward Rees

Country Director

Peace Dividend Trust

Dili Timor-Leste

Mobile +670 735 1078

www.peacedividendtrust.org

www.buylocaltimorleste.blogspot.com

Kor Timor

2008-11-07T11:47:00.002+09:00

Dili, Timor-Leste 06 November 2008: Release.

Kor Timor supplies 900 folders, pencil boxes and book covers for the upcoming International Youth Conference in Dili Timor-Leste. Additionally, Kor Timor supplies 960 boxes, CD envelopes, coffee bags, boxes of soap and other items to the ASEAN Accession Secretariat. Festooned with the Buy Local. Build Timor-Leste logo and slogan, Kor Timor Supports the Business Community in Timor-Leste.

Peace Dividend Trust, Dili.

Lalenok Supports Buy Local Build Timor-Leste

2008-11-06T17:02:00.000+09:00

Lalenok Bookstore has elected to support the Buy Local. Build Timor-Leste
Campaign.

Resultado Iha distrito Hamutuk - $950 000.

2008-10-15T13:12:00.001+09:00

Kuarte Feira, 8 de October 2008

Resultado Iha distrito Hamutuk - $950 000.

Hafoin serwisu iha fulan 8 nia laran, Peace Dividend Trust’s (PDT) liu husi servisu Micro Matchmaking (suporta Ligasaun Kiik) nia hetan resultado nebe mak impreseivo (diak) tebes. Aktividades Micromatchmakibng nia mak halo ligasaun husi sosa nain sira husi internasionais hanesan individual ka instituisaun ba fornesedores domestika iha nivel distritais hanesan iha Lautem, Baucau, Ainaro, Cova Lima, Bobonaro no Oecusse. Programa ne’e hetan fundus husi AusAID, PDT hahu halao ou lansa programa Micro Matchmaking ne’e iha fulan Fevreiro 2008. Staff ou serwisu nain Micro Matchmaking halao sira nia knar hanesan “information Brokers” (ema nebe fahe informasaun iha area negosio nia). Termus nebe relevente tebes iha lian Tetun mak “estafeta” – mensageiros ba informasaun husi grupo/ema ida ba grupo/ema seluk ou bele mos usa termus “matdalan”. Wainhira ou se karik ita boot hakarak atu sosa sasan ou hetan tulun ruma iha distrito nebe hatoo/mensiona iha leten ou distritus visinhos/nebe besik bas sira, bele halo kontaktu ba staff PDT nia. Sira sei hatudu dalan atu sosa sasan lokal.

Durante iha fulan Fevreiro 2008, staff PDT ba micro programa matchmaking hetan ona rekisasaun hamutuk 1339 husi sosa nain potensial. Ida ne’e hatudu katak iha 1339 okasiaun nebe mak staff internasional no organisasaun husu staff micro matchmaking PDT nia atu fo tulun ba sira hodi hetan sasan nebe mak sira persisa iha distrito. To oba horas dau-daun ne’e, PDT fornese ona informasaun husi fornesedores hamutuk 1186 hodi atende ou hatan ba rekisasaun sira, besik 90% husi total rekisasaun nebe iha. Iha/husi 1186 rekisasaun mak kompleta, PDT hetan transakasaun final ba informasaun hamutuk 994, ho total orsamento hamutuk $775K nebe hetan transaksaun nebe diak tebes. Liu husi informasaun ne’e, PDT halo estimasaun ba micro matchmaking nia aktividades katak liu husi $950K mak sirkula ona iha ekonomia lokal iha area remotas sira husi Timor-Leste. Ida ne’e sai hanesan sasukat ida ba aktividades ho sasukat ba resultado iha parte husi Timor-Leste nebe hetan resultado nebe importante tebes.

Studu husu Kasu: Covalima

Iha Setembro 2008, iha representante husi kompania ida husi Indonesia halo aprosimasaun ba staff M3 PDT iha Covalima, senhor Antonio Fahik no Maria Barros hodi fo tulun ba sira hodi hetan ou kompleta kuantidade ba sasan nebe atu sosa. Wainhira la liu husi dalan proprio nebe iha dadaun ne’e iha regiaun nebe refere, representante husi rai liur ne’e sei hetan difikuldades baraka tu hetan sasan nebe persisa :100 karau vaka. Staff PDT usa sira nia matenek no kuinesemento nebe iha hodi halo peskisa ka buka hatene merkado domestik/lokal no ikus liu fo resultado nebe diak ba representante negosiantes husi rai liur hodi hetan fornesedores iha rai laran hodi bele fornese karau vaka. Ba transaksaun 100 karau vaka ne’e ho valor orsamento hamutuk liu husi $30 000. Iha adisional, staff PDT nia ba M3 kria ou hamosu relasaun diak entre sosa nain internasionais sira ho fornesedores lokal nebe sei kontinua halo ligasaun ba malu iha area desenvolvimento seitor privado. Serwisu Micro Matchmaking fasilita ona transaksaun barak tebes hanesan ne’e, balu ho valor nebe kiik tebes, maibe barak liu fo importante ba desenvolvimento seitor privado. Tempo barak ou naruk liu, transaksaun ne’e sei fo atensaun mos ba kreasaun ba serwisu ou hamosu kampo de trablho, hakbiit ekonomia no kapasita seitor privado iha Timor-Leste laran.

Atui hetan uinformasaun klean liu kona ba oinsa atu sosa sasan iha distrito sira, bele kontaktu Ilidio Ximenes da Costa, PDT Micro-matchmaking Associate iha Dili, ou liu husi email iximenes@peacedividendtrust.org ka liu husi telemovel +670 723 3335.

The First National Business Verification is Complete.

2008-10-09T15:05:00.005+09:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tetun Translation to follow….

Dili, Timor-Leste, 09 October 2008

Need information on the business community in Timor-Leste?

Peace Dividend Trust (PDT) Timor-Leste is pleased to announce the conclusion of the first-ever business verification in all 13 districts of Timor-Leste.

The first cycle of business verification activities was completed with the review of enterprises in the district of Bobonaro in mid-September. To date, PDT has verified more than 1,700 businesses across the country, representing over 16,650 workers in 26 different sectors of activity. Their detailed profiles, including contact information, description of services and previous experience, are now available on the PDT Online Procurement Database (http://www.buildingmarkets.org/).

In coming weeks, PDT Timor-Leste will consolidate its achievements with the release of a national profile of the Timor-Leste business community based upon the business verification activities undertaken since November 2007. Individual Business Guides will also be created detailing information on the business community in each of the districts.

About Peace Dividend Trust Timor-Leste:
PDT-TL works to connect buyers with suppliers both national and international in order to stimulate the economy and create jobs. To this end, PDT opened a Tender Distribution Centre in December 2007, commenced matchmaking activities in January 2008 and launched a Timor-Leste Online Procurement website in May 2008. PDT also offers tailored training assistance.

Peace Dividend Trust is an international NGO, headquartered in Ottawa, Canada. The Timor-Leste project is funded by AusAID. PDT is a not-for-profit entity. All of its services are provided to the community free of charge.

For more information, please contact:
Peace Dividend Trust
Estrada de Balide, Dili, Timor-Leste
Phone: +670.332.282
Email: timor-leste@peacedividendtrust.org

BA KOMUNIKADU IMPRENSA

Verifikasaun Negocios Nasional ba dala Uluk Kompleta Ona

Dili, Timor-Leste, 09 Outubro 2008

Presiza informasaun negocios komunidade nian iha Timor Leste?

Peace Dividend Trust (PDT) Timor-Leste hakarak atu anuncio konklusaun verifikasaun negocio hotu-hotu ba dala uluk nebe hala’o ona iha distrito 13 iha Timor Leste

Premeiro rotasaun aktividade verifikasaun ba negocios kompleta ona ho revisaun ba empresaria hotu-hotu iha distrito Bobonaro iha fulan Setembro nia klaran. To’o agora PDT verifika ona negocio hamutuk 1, 700 iha Timor laran tomak no regista mos ema servisu hamutuk 16,650 iha setor 26 nebe diferensia. Negocios sira nia profile detailu, inklui no kontaktu, deskripsaun servisu no esperiensia uluk nian, agora iha hotu ona PDT nia Online Prokuramento database (http://www.buildingmarkets.org/).

Iha semana hirak oin mai, PDT sei konsolida nia resultado no hasai mos perfil nasional husi negocios komunidade iha Timor Leste baseia ba aktividade verifikasaun negocio hala’o ona hahu husi Novembro 2007. Matadalan ba negocio individual mos sei halo informasaun detailu liu tan kona ba negocio komunidade husi distrito idak-idak nian.

Kona ba Peace Dividend Trust iha Timor Leste:
PDT serbisu atu hatutan kompradór/distribuidor sira ho sosa nain nasionál sira no internasionál nian atu bele estimula ekonomia no kria serbisu. Ba objetivu ida-ne’e PDT loke Sentru Distribuisaun Tender nian iha fulan Dezembru 2007, hahú aktividade servisu Ligasaun (matchmaking) nian iha fulan Janeiru 2008 no halo lansamentu ba Website Aprovizionamentu Online Timor-Leste nian iha fulan Maiu 2008. PDT mós oferese asisténsia treinamentu personalizadu.

Peace Dividend Trust mak ONG internasional ida, nia quartel mak iha Ottawa, Canada. Projeitu iha Timor-Leste hetan fundu husi AusAID. PDT mak nudar entidade ida nebe la’os atu buka benefisiu. Ninia servisu tomak hala’o ba komunidade ho gratuitu.

Ba informasaun liu tan, favor kontaktu:
Peace Dividend Trust
Estrada de Balide, Dili, Timor-Leste
Phone: +670.332.2823
Email: timor-leste@peacedividendtrust.org

In the Districts - $950 000 of results.

2008-10-08T16:32:00.001+09:00

Wednesday, October 8 2008

In the Districts - $950 000 of results.

After 8 months of operations, Peace Dividend Trust’s (PDT) Micro Matchmaking service has achieved impressive results. Micromatchmaking activities connect international buyers, both individual and institutional, with domestic suppliers at the district level in Lautem, Baucau, Ainaro, Cova Lima, Bobonaro and Oecusse. Funded by AusAID, PDT launched the Micro Matchmaking service in February 2008.Micro Matchmaking staff act as information brokers. A contextually relevant term in Tetun would be estefeta - messengers of information from one group to another, or matadalan - a guide. If you want to buy a good or service in the above mentioned districts - or even neighboring districts - call your PDT Micromatchmaker. They will show the way to buying locally.

Since February 2008, PDT micromatchmakers have processed 1339 requests from potential buyers. This means that on 1339 occasions, international staff or organizations have asked PDT Micro Matchmaking staff to assist them in sourcing something in the districts. To date, PDT has provided supplier information on 1186 requests, nearly 90% of the total requests. Of the 1186 completed requests, PDT has obtained final transaction information on 994, which amount to over $775K worth of financial transactions. Using this information, PDT estimates that Micro Matchmaking activities have directed more than $950K towards local economies in the poorest parts of Timor-Leste. These are measurable activities with measurable results in parts of Timor-Leste where getting results is most important.

Case Study: Cova Lima

In September 2008, a representative of an Indonesian company approached PDT M3 Cova Lima staff Antonio Alves Fahik and Maria Baros for help in completing a large purchase. Without proper background in the region, the representative faced many difficulties in finding the desired goods: 100 head of buffalo. PDT staff used their knowledge of the local area to survey the domestic market and, ultimately, to match the business representative with a local rancher who could provide the buffalo. The single transaction of 100 head of buffalo brought in over $30 000 for the rancher. In addition, PDT M3 staff created a relationship between an international company and a local supplier. These business relationships between large, international buyers and local suppliers will lead to sustainable development of the local private sector.Micro Matchmaking services have facilitated many more transactions like this one, most of a smaller value, but all important for private sector development. Multiplied thousands of times over, these transactions will play a critical role in creating jobs, driving the economy and building private sector capacity in places where it matters most in Timor-Leste.

For more information on how to buy in the Districts, contact Ilidio Ximenes da Costa, PDT Micro-matchmaking Associate in Dili, on iximenes@peacedividendtrust.org or by phone on +670 723 3335.

Featured Business Profile 4: Companhia Donogi

2008-10-08T16:23:00.006+09:00

Companhia Donogi is a new local construction and general services company established by Mr. Venancio Pereira Moniz. Companhia Donogi specialises in general services such as: construction, water canalization, welding and bricklaying.
Mr. Venancio Pereira Moniz makes estimations/quotations for the materials used for construction purposes.

Mr. Venancio also designs homes and locates underground water sources for homes (canalization) to be piped for everyday use.

Mr. Venancio can repair car vehicles and can function as an operator for heavy duty construction vehicles such as tractors and excavators.

COMPANHIA DONOGI
Santa Cruz, Dili – Timor Leste
Hp: +670 731 4981
For English Call 729 0313 (Felix)

Bobonaro Online – www.buildingmarkets.org

2008-10-08T09:41:00.004+09:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Bobonaro District Business Community is Now Online – www.buildingmarkets.org

Dili, Timor-Leste, 07 October 2008 – Today marks the launch of the online profiles of the Bobonaro business community. Buyers, both domestic and international, can now access complete information about the full range of suppliers in Bobonaro District on the border with Indonesia. Bobonaro is a major agricultural centre in Timor-Leste and the primary land entry point for goods and people moving between Indonesia and Timor-Leste.

As such is a strategically important District.

Peace Dividend has completed business verification for this District. It is a very busy district and has 85 business profiles now online. Click here to view them all.

Pictured here is PDT business verification assistant Lili Nunes with Maliana Alfayati, in Maliana Town. Goods and services provided include tailoring and cloths for men, women and children.

The SVD Mission Workshop makes home and office furniture, school benches, beds, windows, doors and frames, shrines, coffins and buffets. Welding metal beds, windows and doors security, house frames, and fences. It is an important source of training for youth in Bobonaro District.

There is also the a photo printing outfit , a Poussada, and even a business offering offering IT assistance and training services.

About Peace Dividend Trust Timor-LestePeace Dividend Trust is an international NGO, headquartered in Ottawa, Canada. The Timor-Leste project is funded by AusAID. PDT is a not-for-profit entity. All of its services are provided to the community free of charge.

For more information, please contact:Peace Dividend Trust Estrada de Balide, Dili, East TimorPhone: +670.332.2823 Email: timor-leste@peacedividendtrust.org

Announcing the Cova Lima Business Guide

2008-10-07T17:11:00.006+09:00

Please find English and Tetum translations below …

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Announcing Cova Lima District Business Guide:

Cova Lima

http://www.buildingmarkets.org/

Dili, Timor-Leste, 01 October 2008 –

This is the second in a series of 13 District Business Guides.

The Guide is based on verification activities undertaken by PDT in Cova Lima during August 2008 and features the details of dozens of Cova Lim businesses.

Go to http://www.buylocaltimorleste.blogspot.com/ to access the guides.

In coming months, PDT will produce District Business Guides for all of Timor-Leste’s thirteen districts. The data included in this guide was accurate at the time of survey. Resources permitting, the data will be updated at regular intervals.

In case of errors or inaccuracies, please write to timordatabase@peacedividendtrust.org or contact PDT on +670 332 2823.

Aanunsia imediatamente.

Matadalan ba Negosiu Distritu Nian - Cova Lima

http://www.buildingmarkets.org/

Peace Dividend Trust (PDT) Timor-Leste nia Matadalan ba Negósiu Distritu nian ne’e nu’udár ida-uluk iha série foun ida husi PDT nia Matadalan ba Negósi Distritu nian. Matadalan ne’e bazeia ba aktividade verifikasaun nian sira ne’ebé mak PDT halao ona iha Cova Lima durante fulan Agostu 2008 no fó detallu sira kona-bá negósiu barak iha Cova Lima.

Ba http://www.buylocaltimorleste.blogspot.com/ atu hetan matadalan ida ne'e.Iha fulan hirak tuirmai, PDT sei prodúz Matadalan ba Negósiu Distritu nian ba Timor-Leste nia distritu sanulu resin-tolu hotu-hotu, no série sira ne’e sei ramata ho produsaun ba Matadalan ba Negósiu Timor-Leste nian. Dadus ne’ebé inklui iha matadalan ida-ne’e ezatu iha tempu ne’ebé halo levantamentu. Bainhira rekursu sira permite, dadus sira-ne’e sei atualizadu iha intervalu sira regulár nian.

Iha kazu kona-bá erru ka inezatidaun, favór hakerek ba timordatabase@peacedividendtrust.org ka kontaktu PDT iha +670 332 2823.