2005年-世界发展银行全球_An_Assessment_of_the_Human_Resources_Skills_Training_and_Business_Services_in_Timor_Leste_66页_867kb

Summary of the Assessment of Human Resources, Skills Training and Business Services in Timor Leste (June 2005)

Core Content

This report provides an in-depth analysis of the business culture, human resources, skills training, and business services in Timor Leste, with a focus on the challenges and opportunities for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). It outlines current initiatives and suggests future strategies to strengthen the business environment and support SME development.

Main Points

1. Business Culture in Timor Leste

• Entrepreneurial Traditions:
  • Family responsibilities often hinder entrepreneurial efforts.
  • A large portion of the workforce operates in a non-cash or informal economy.
  • Cultural constraints limit women's participation in business.
• Public Perception of Business:
  • Many aspire to the trappings of success but lack understanding of market forces.
  • There is limited awareness of the need for effective financial management.
  • Some individuals feel jealousy towards others' success.
• Understanding of Business Management:
  • There is a general lack of awareness regarding cash flow generation and financial sustainability.
  • SMEs often rely on government support and have limited understanding of market dynamics.
• Current Initiatives:
  • BDCs (Business Development Centres) offer training programs for start-ups and existing businesses.
  • NGOs like Oxfam and Concern provide some business training.
  • The ILO's STAGE project is being launched to address rural poverty and improve vocational training.
  • Institutional strengthening of civil services is underway to adopt a more customer-oriented approach.

2. Human Resources and Business Sector Characteristics

• Human Resources:
  • Most workers are engaged in informal agricultural activities.
  • The formal sector includes 50% private sector employment and 37% government employment.
  • Unemployment is high in urban areas, particularly among educated males and young people.
  • Women have lower participation rates in the workforce.
• Business Sector:
  • Approximately 10,800 businesses were registered by the end of 2004.
  • 70% of these are individual entrepreneurs, with 80% located in Dili.
  • High attrition and non-renewal rates, with many businesses reverting to informal status.
  • Family members often act as unpaid helpers, and financial management is weak.

3. Demand for Skilled Workers

• Key Sectors:
  • Tourism, agribusiness, manufacturing, and petroleum/mining show significant demand for skilled workers.
  • However, these sectors are not well-supported by training programs.
• Training Limitations:
  • Vocational training is inconsistent and often dictated by donor priorities.
  • Training is limited in rural areas and lacks alignment with market needs.
  • Basic IT and office skills are available but not prioritized by many SMEs.

4. Vocational Training in Timor Leste

• Formal Institutions:
  • Limited and often not aligned with market demands.
  • Training is mostly available in Dili, with few opportunities in rural areas.
• Non-Formal Institutions:
  • Includes Catholic training centers, donor-funded programs, and post-secondary education institutions.
  • Some NGOs offer basic business and ethics training.
• Training Gaps:
  • Lack of continuity and follow-up in training programs.
  • Limited understanding of how to turn ideas into viable businesses.
  • Few female trainers and limited focus on business ethics and financial literacy.

5. Business Services Sector

• Current Status:
  • Most SMEs recognize the need for business development services but are reluctant to pay for them.
  • Government services are not sufficiently customer-focused.
  • Legal, accounting, and insurance services are underdeveloped.
• Available Services:
  • BDCs are the primary source of business advisory services.
  • Only three local accountants exist, and they are not recognized or regulated.
  • No formal legal dispute resolution mechanisms or Bar Association.
• Initiatives:
  • The Notary Act has been passed.
  • SEPII (Second Small Enterprises Project) includes business training and market rehabilitation.
  • A national dispute tribunal and formal business associations are proposed.

6. Access to Business Information

• Domestic Market:
  • Limited awareness of regulations, compliance, and market opportunities.
  • The "bubble" economy led to unrealistic expectations.
• Export Markets:
  • Limited knowledge of export mechanics and trade regimes.
  • Extension services provide some information on cash crops like coffee.
• Finance and Microfinance:
  • Microfinance services are not well-marketed and target more educated and financially stable businesses.
  • Limited funding proposal assistance available.
• Government Procurement:
  • SMEs are aware of opportunities but have limited understanding of the tendering process.
  • Perceptions of corruption and non-transparency affect their confidence.
• Current Initiatives:
  • Export and Investment Promotion Centre is being established.
  • Donor-funded programs aim to improve information flow.
• Possible Initiatives:
  • Identify key sectors and conduct market studies.
  • Develop databases for technical standards, export/import controls, and commodity prices.
  • Disseminate information through mobile phone services and other accessible channels.

Key Recommendations

Short-Term Initiatives

• Develop a comprehensive SME policy.
• Expand the role of BDCs and integrate them with STAGE programs.
• Introduce a scholarship program for overseas training.
• Formalize a national mentor scheme.
• Establish small business advisory services as part of market rehabilitation.

Long-Term Approach

• Expand BDCs and promote business clustering in both Dili and districts.
• Strengthen linkages with international organizations and training institutions.
• Formalize a Chamber of Commerce and women-in-business associations.

Risks and Issues

• Coordination: Need for better coordination between agencies and stakeholders.
• In-Country Resources: Limited local representation and capacity.
• Financial Assistance: Challenges in providing effective financial support to SMEs.

Conclusion

The report highlights the need for a coordinated, sustainable, and market-oriented approach to strengthening the business training and services sectors in Timor Leste. It emphasizes the importance of cultural awareness, institutional support, and the integration of training and advisory services to support SME development and growth.