DILI, 6 October 2026 The Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs (MCAE), through MCAE General Coordinator Mr Jorge Rui de Carvalho Martins, held a meeting with the National Institute for Workforce Development (INDMO) to discuss Timor-Leste’s preparations and priorities for the WorldSkills Asia General Assembly, which will take place from 18 to 20 November 2026.
The meeting was held at the MCAE meeting room, Government Palace, and provided an opportunity to strengthen institutional coordination on professional skills development, accreditation and Timor-Leste’s participation in the WorldSkills Asia regional mechanism.
The main objective of the meeting was to prepare Timor-Leste’s participation in a coordinated manner, define institutional priorities, and discuss the structure, authority and accreditation system needed to support the development of professional skills in the country.
MCAE General Coordinator Jorge Rui de Carvalho Martins said that a proposal would be considered to establish a team comprising representatives of 11 Public Institutions (IP) and Public Entities (EP) to prepare a convening to discuss strategic matters.
The main matters receiving attention are the adjustment of the statutes of Public Institutions in accordance with Government Constitutional Decree-Law No. 9, and preparations for a national agency and a professional accreditation system.
“There needs to be a clear standard to serve as a guide for everyone, particularly on how a national agency should be structured and what appropriate authority it should have,” said the MCAE General Coordinator.
The discussion will also examine the roles and authority of relevant institutions, including the relationship of a national agency with the National Parliament, the Prime Minister or another competent entity, as well as how recognition and accreditation can be carried out in accordance with the law.
INDMO Director Ms Isabel Fernandes de Lima explained that the General Assembly will take place from 18 to 20 November. “Participants will cover their own expenses, while common costs will be limited to activities such as the welcome and farewell ceremonies,” said the INDMO Director.
At the General Assembly, the candidacies of Vanuatu, Syria and Australia for membership of WorldSkills Asia will also be discussed, together with India’s preparations for the WorldSkills competition at the Asian level, which will be held in India next year. Registered delegations will begin arriving on 17 November, while participating companies will have an opportunity to present their products and innovations.
WorldSkills Asia is an important platform for member countries to share experience, technology and good practices in technical and vocational training, and to strengthen skills standards at the international level.
For Timor-Leste, participation in this platform can create new opportunities for young people to develop their abilities, gain access to new knowledge and technology, and prepare to enter an increasingly competitive labour market.
MCAE and INDMO consider the meeting an important step in preparing Timor-Leste for active participation in regional discussions on professional skills. With adequate preparation, Timor-Leste expects to contribute to the development of the regional professional skills system, strengthen partnerships, improve its accreditation system and develop young people with the skills, innovation and readiness to face future challenges in the world of work.***
