Dili, 23 October 2025

Interim Vice Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs (MCAE in Tetum), represented by Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Forestry (MAPPF), Marcos da Cruz, officially opens the Innovative Business Competition 2025 (KPNI in Tetum), organised by the Institute to Support Business Development or Apoio ba Dezenvolvimento Emprezaria (IADE) in Timor Plaza, Dili.

In his observation, the Interim Vice Prime Minister says that KPNI is an important platform for young people to channel their ideas and creativity that can drive the transformation of the national economy to an innovative and sustainable future.

Over three days, the 15 finalists will present their innovative business ideas to a panel of judges and have the opportunity to network with business players as well as development partners. Marcos da Cruz says that the ideas that emerged from the competition have the potential to strengthen food security, create jobs, and increase the added value of local products.

At the same time, Marcos da Cruz also expresses his appreciation to IADE, government partners, the private sector, universities, and international institutions for their support to develop entrepreneurship in Timor-Leste. “Believe in your ideas and dreams. Together, we can build a more innovative and competitive Timor-Leste.”