The President of the Republic (PR), Jose Ramos Horta, urged Timorese women entrepreneurs to learn English so they can expand their business opportunities internationally.
The President said that while many people only want to do business within Timor-Leste, in places such as Dili, Baucau, Viqueque, and Liquiçá, those who want to operate at a regional and international level must focus on learning English rather than relying solely on Tetum.
“If we want to do business at the regional and international level, I think Tetum alone is not enough, and I urge you to learn English,” he said.
He stressed the importance of developing English language skills, noting that it is not too difficult to gain access to regional and international markets if this barrier is overcome.
“If we just want to buy something from Atambua, then Tetum and Bahasa Indonesia are fine,” he said.
He added that once English is mastered, Timor-Leste’s ASEAN membership will open doors to major business opportunities, but that the key is mastering the English language.
Meanwhile, Patricia Mendes, a representative of SOT business, said that their products are already available in the national market and have also been showcased at an international trade fair in Singapore.
“We have also been invited to take SOT chocolate to participate in a fair in Australia next week,” she said.
She added that doing business and presenting products in the international market requires strong language skills.
“If you don’t know the language, your products will only circulate locally and won’t reach international markets. I’m grateful that I have basic English knowledge, which allows me to communicate with partners in Singapore and Australia and bring our products to international markets,” she said.
She explained that SOT products, such as SOT chocolate and SOT liquor, are now available in the national market and in hotels across Dili.
Meanwhile, the President of AEMTL (Timor-Leste Business Women Association), Hergui Luina Alves, said that according to available data and the results of the Timor-Leste Women in Business Awards competition, there are now 21 women entrepreneurs in the country.
“Among these women entrepreneurs, almost all speak English fairly well, but they need to keep improving,” she said.She added that AEMTL will continue its efforts to provide training for women entrepreneurs, particularly in English.
