The
Peace Dividend Marketplace Timor-Leste project (PDM-TL) launched in August 2007. PDM-TL is based in Dili with field offices in Baucau, Covalima, and Viqueque and works with local businesses in each of Timor-Leste's 13 districts. The PDM-TL project connects institutional and individual buyers (both national and international) with domestic suppliers of goods and services. The local procurement generated by these business transactions is an important means of supporting long-term economic growth in Timor-Leste due to the resulting increase in private sector development and entrepreneurship. This creates both jobs and wealth for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
PDM-TL provides rural economic development services by strategically focusing on the small amounts of personal spending by international staff and agencies operating in the poorest districts of the country. The localized impact of increased business creates a significant economic stimulus in rural districts. The Government of Timor-Leste and the international community support this approach, as rural development is a national priority.
Since August 2007, PDM-TL has achieved results that support rural development by:
