Timor-Leste launches weekly Atauro market to expand trade with Indonesia
The initiative aims to connect local agriculture, fisheries, craft and processed-food producers with domestic and overseas buyers.
Timor-Leste’s government launched the Atauro Weekly Export Market on 16 October to help island producers reach buyers and develop cross-border commerce with Indonesia, according to Commerce and Industry Minister Nino Pereira.
Pereira inaugurated the initiative in Usubemasu village, Beloi, during World Food Day commemorations. Atauro authority president Mateus Belo and a delegation from Indonesia were among those attending.
The minister said the market would operate weekly, giving producers a place to display, promote and sell their goods directly to domestic and international customers, particularly Indonesians. It is intended to widen access for Atauro’s agricultural produce, fisheries products, handicrafts and processed goods.
Belo said the initiative aimed to raise community incomes, strengthen ties with Indonesia and support Timor-Leste’s integration into ASEAN. Resident Mateus Filipe welcomed the prospect of a wider market for local products and said it could help family earnings.
Another resident, Santina Belo, said the market would benefit women producing food and handicrafts. She called for it to continue beyond the launch so communities on Atauro and Liran could keep trading with one another.
Trade between Atauro residents and communities on nearby Indonesian islands must continue to comply with the regulations in both countries.
