The Secretariat of State for Cooperatives (SEKoop) called on students from the National University of Timor Lorosa’e (UNTL) to conduct research on the cooperative sector so they can contribute to economic development in the country.
Secretary of State for SEKoop Arsénio Pereira da Silva said that in-depth research is currently needed on the challenges and opportunities that have an impact on the country’s economy.
“UNTL students need to conduct in-depth research on the cooperative sector to identify the challenges that have an impact on economic development,” he said.
He said that the results of research conducted by students can help the government implement its work and contribute to economic development in Timor-Leste.
“Universities have an important role in supporting cooperative development through research, training, innovation, market studies and recommendations for public policy,” SEKoop Silva said at UNTL.
He said that the cooperative sector is one of the pillars of the national economy under the Constitution of the RDTL, together with the public and private sectors.
He said that students should not view cooperatives only as places to seek employment, but as opportunities to create businesses and economic activities that can benefit the community.
“Students should not see themselves only as students, but must also become researchers and contribute to what the country needs,” he said.
In addition, he said that not only students, but professors must also guide students to conduct research on the cooperative sector to help the government find solutions to problems.
Meanwhile, student Felicia de Souza from the Department of Economic Science, Faculty of Economics and Management, said that research is also part of the role of students, both in the cooperative sector and other sectors.
“We are very proud that the government needs the contribution of students, particularly in research. This encourages us as students to study and identify the gaps that are creating problems for economic development,” she said.
She said that the economy is the foundation for development in all sectors and therefore problems in the economic sector need to be addressed first, which will make it easier to address other sectors.
