2025-04-13-联合国贸易发展委员-联合国贸易发展委员会-东帝汶_电子贸易准备情况评估（英）_95页_2mb

Timor-Leste eTrade Readiness Assessment Summary

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) conducted a comprehensive assessment of East Timor's readiness for e-commerce and its potential to leverage digital technologies for economic growth. The assessment highlights that while East Timor has taken initial steps toward digital transformation, significant challenges remain in infrastructure, regulations, and skills development.

Key Findings:

• E-commerce Readiness: E-commerce activity is nascent, with limited online sales due to high Internet costs and low trust in digital transactions. Only 14% of adults reported making online purchases. regulatory alignment with ASEAN is crucial for integration into regional markets.
• ICT Infrastructure: Internet connectivity and affordability are major barriers. Mobile broadband coverage is good (96% 3G, 45% 4G), but affordability remains high. The Timor-Leste South Submarine Cable (TLSSC) is expected to improve connectivity but requires upgrades from service providers to maximize benefits.
• Trade Logistics: Infrastructure and Customs processes are being modernized through projects like the Timor-Leste Electronic Single Window (TileSW), but challenges remain in last-mile delivery and address systems.
• Payment Solutions: Digital wallets like TPay and Mosan have improved access to financial services, but cash remains dominant. Payment interoperability and reduced transaction costs are needed to support e-commerce.
• Legal Framework: The 2024 E-commerce Law is a step forward, but gaps exist in data protection, consumer rights, and cybersecurity enforcement.
• Skills and Financing: Digital literacy is low, and there is a need for education and training programs. Access to financing for start-ups is limited, requiring policy reforms and dedicated funding mechanisms.

Recommendations:

• Conduct a National E-commerce Strategy (NECS) to guide digital transformation, with a focus on regulatory harmonization, infrastructure development, and capacity building.
• Strengthen cybersecurity measures and develop digital authentication infrastructure.
• Expand digital financial inclusion through vouchers, digital literacy programs, and interoperable payment systems.
• Foster public-private partnerships and incubators to drive innovation in e-commerce.
• Accelerate regulatory reforms and enforcement to ensure a trustworthy digital business environment.

The assessment concludes that e-commerce can drive economic growth if supported by cohesive policies, infrastructure investments, and collaborative efforts. The NECS, to be finalized in 2024, will be pivotal in positioning Timor-Leste in the global digital economy.