The Czech Republic has no investments in East Timor, there is no joint venture. However, the current trend, when the country’s government is aware of the need for systemic change, diversification of the economy and building infrastructure as a prerequisite for the development of hitherto neglected sectors, opens up certain opportunities.
- Programingplease: Yearbook 2010 of nation East Timor, including population, politics, and abbreviations.
The most promising items for Czech exports, sectors for investment, privatization and development projects
At the same time, there are opportunities in a wide range of sectors, since the country does not have any developed sectors (with the exception of oil extraction and coffee cultivation). There is no food industry either, and the country covers most of its consumption with imports. The government is thus interested in cooperation and intends to attract foreign investors (currently, e.g. brewery, cement plant, port) and open the country to them. The condition is a partner or own registered company in the place. Another limitation is the fact that a foreign entity cannot own the land, but a 100-year lease can be concluded. The question of the legal title to the ownership of land is really problematic with regard to the triple right used during the country’s recent history, when it is not an exception that 3 owners can be registered for one piece of land. Visit Animalerts for more information about East Timor culture and traditions.
The eventual opening of an honorary consulate of the Czech Republic in East Timor, which the Czech MFA and the Embassy in Jakarta are currently working on, could be of great benefit to Czech companies. In addition to the fact that this step could be a kind of impetus for increasing the involvement of both countries, the presence of an honorary consul could also ensure direct support and information about business opportunities and the environment and functioning of the local market.
Public procurement market
In the context of public procurement, East Timor appears interesting as a target country for international development aid. Czech entities are thus potentially offered the opportunity to participate in tenders issued by international donors for solutions intended for East Timor, either in the study phase or already in their own implementation.
Ways of resolving commercial disputes, risks of the local market and investing in the territory, usual payment terms, payment ethics
Although a broad framework of legal and judicial standards has already been announced, their implementation and actual usability for defending the interests of a foreign investor is debatable.
Local customs important for business contacts, official and spoken language(s), public holidays, working and sales hours
The official languages are Tetum and Portuguese. Besides them, Indonesian and English are used. In addition, there are approximately 16 different indigenous languages and dialects.
Currency: US dollar USD
Public holidays in 2019: Public Holiday Timor Leste
Visas, fees, specific conditions for traveling to the territory (areas with increased risk for foreigners)
Visas are issued to citizens of the Czech Republic for a period of 30 days directly at the airport or at the international seaport in the capital of Timor-Leste – Dili for a fee of USD 30. You need to fill out a passport card and keep it in your passport for the entire duration of your stay in the country. The departure part of the passport is handed over to the passport officer upon departure from the country. There is also an airport tax of USD 10 when departing from Dili.
In the case of a visit longer than 30 days or when entering the territory by a route other than the one mentioned above (e.g. crossing by car from neighboring Indonesia), it is possible to apply for a visa for up to 90 days. In this case, however, it is necessary to apply to the relevant authorities at least 10 working days before entering the country through a pre-filled visa application authorization online, the so-called Visa Application Authorization. In case of approval of the application, or authorization, it is necessary to print the given document (confirmation of authorization) and then present it to the immigration authorities when entering the country.
Contact the nearest embassies and consulates of East Timor in the EU:
Portugal:
Embassy of Timor-Leste to Portugal
Avenida Infante Sante No. 17-6°- Esq.
1350-175 Lisboa Portugal
Tel.: (351-21) 393 3730
Fax: (351-21) 393 3739
Belgium:
Embassy of Timor Leste to the European Union
Avenue de Cortenbergh, 12
PO Box 198
1040 Brussels, Belgium
Tel.: (32-2) 280 00 96
Fax: (32-2) 280 02 77
