Award Ceremony of the Innovative Business Competition (KNI) V 2025 – Path to Business
Dili, September 29, 2025 – The Minister of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Nino Pereira, participated in the Award Ceremony of the Innovative Business Competition (KNI) V – MCI 2025, under the theme “Promoting Economic Diversification through Innovation to Strengthen and Ensure Sustainability by Supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)”, held at the Suai Room, Timor-Plaza, Dili.

The objective of this activity is to strengthen MSMEs as part of a program implemented through a partnership between the Government, via the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and KOICA, under the project “Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship Skills (YEES Project)”. The project aims to provide opportunities and empower youth to explore their business potential, thereby contributing to Timor-Leste’s economic growth by increasing the number of young entrepreneurs in the micro, small and medium enterprise sector.

“The Innovative Business Competition program is a continuation of an initiative started in 2021, aiming to keep providing support in capacity building and access to funds or equipment for youth who bring unique, different, and innovative ideas. This support intends to motivate young people to invest in productive sectors such as agriculture, industry, and tourism, oriented toward social impact and adding value to the local economy, while helping address community-level economic challenges.”

In his speech, Minister Nino Pereira stated that this is a proud moment for Timor-Leste, as we gather to recognize and celebrate the creativity, determination, and success of our business innovators.

“The Innovative Business Competition (KNI) is not just a competition, but a national platform that nurtures talent, transforms ideas into businesses, and empowers our citizens, particularly youth, women, and vulnerable groups, to shape their own economic future. Through rigorous training, mentorship, and fair selection, we have identified business potentials that not only show promise but also demonstrate the resilience and innovation that Timor-Leste needs in order to prosper.” – said the MCI Minister.

The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Nino Pereira; the First Secretary of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, Mr. NHO, Jae-Hee; the Resident Representative of UNDP; the Deputy National Director of KOICA, Mr. JANG, Sung-Hwan; the Ambassador Representative of Australia; the Ambassador Representative of Indonesia; development partners, entrepreneurs, and other invited guests.