Employers and workers discuss ASEAN readiness to shape Timor-Leste's Decent Work Country Programme

DILI, Timor Leste (ILO News) - As Timor-Leste prepares to deepen its integration into the ASEAN Economic Community, representatives of employers and workers came together in Dili on 30 June for a bipartite dialogue to explore how regional integration can support competitive enterprises, quality jobs and stronger labour market institutions. The workshop, jointly convened by the ILO with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Timor-Leste (CCI-TL) and the Confederation of Trade Unions of Timor-Leste (KSTL), also provided an opportunity to inform the development of the new Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) 2026-2030.

The dialogue built on recent ILO-supported research examining the preparedness of Timor-Leste's private sector and labour market institutions for ASEAN integration. Participants discussed how ASEAN integration presents significant opportunities through increased trade, investment and participation in regional value chains, while recognising that realizing these benefits will require stronger institutions, improved workforce skills and a more competitive business environment.

Today's dialogue demonstrated that employers and workers share many common priorities as Timor-Leste prepares for deeper regional integration. By working together, we can ensure ASEAN membership supports sustainable enterprises, productive employment and inclusive economic growth.

Hergui Luina Fernandes Alvers, Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Timor-Leste (CCI-TL)

Presentations by ILO specialists from the ILO's Bureau for Worker's Activities (ACT/RAV) and Bureau for Employers Activities (ACT/EMP) highlighted several common findings across institutions and supported by experience across ASEAN. While Timor-Leste's labour market institutions are broadly functional, strengthening technical capacity, digital systems and resources will be essential to support effective labour administration, social dialogue and enterprise development. Participants also noted that awareness of ASEAN labour governance mechanisms remains uneven across institutions, reinforcing the need for targeted capacity building and greater regional engagement.

Bipartite groups worked together to review the proposed DWCP priorities to reflect the importance of key labour market institutions in the context of ASEAN integration in Timor-Leste. 30/2026

Employers and workers then worked in separate and mixed groups to examine the implications of ASEAN integration for employment, enterprise competitiveness, skills development, labour mobility, labour standards and social dialogue. Discussions focused on identifying priority institutional reforms, assessing risks and opportunities, and proposing recommendations to strengthen the forthcoming DWCP.

A recurring theme throughout the workshop was the importance of effective social dialogue. Participants agreed that strong employers' and workers' organizations, supported by well-functioning tripartite institutions, will play a critical role in ensuring that economic integration contributes to inclusive growth and decent work. Regional peer learning, stronger engagement with ASEAN institutions and continued cooperation between employers, workers and government were also identified as priorities.

As Timor-Leste becomes part of the ASEAN community, preparing our workforce is just as important as preparing our enterprises. Investment in skills development, labour protection and effective social dialogue will help workers seize new opportunities in a changing regional economy.

Almério J. Vila-Nova, President, Konfederasaun Sindikatu Timor-Leste (KSTL)

The recommendations generated during the dialogue have contributed to finalizing the Timor-Leste Decent Work Country Programme 2026-2030, helping ensure that the country's ASEAN integration advances productive enterprises, protects workers' rights and supports sustainable and inclusive economic development.