Dili, 27 June 2025 – The National Commercial Bank of Timor-Leste (BNCTL), S.A., represented by the Head of the Operations Division, Mr. Zelio Amaral, participated this Friday as a speaker in the Youth Co-Lab program, held as part of the Productive Fair organized by the Alumni Parlamentu Foinsa’e Timor-leste (APFTL), under the theme “Hametin Kresimentu Ekonomia Ne’ebé Inkluzivu”, at the Fundação Oriente, Bairro Grilhos.

 

During his speech, the Head of the Operations Division, Mr. Zelio Amaral, highlighted the crucial role of the bank in promoting economic diversification in Timor-Leste, in line with the institution’s vision to expand access to banking and financial services through a network of banking agents. The goal is to facilitate access for clients and communities in remote areas by providing affordable services through agricultural and business credit, aiming to diversify the national economy. He also emphasized the bank’s commitment to delivering excellent, friendly, and fast service, expanding credit and deposit services, and thus contributing to economic development.

 

“Initiative and action are the key to the country’s economic diversification. Therefore, we cannot rely solely on the gas and petroleum sectors,” stated Mr. Zelio Amaral, stressing the importance of developing other national productive sectors.

 

During the dialogue, participants also raised questions related to access to banking services and products, considering them essential tools for expanding their businesses.

 

The initiative was attended by representatives from the government, academic institutions, financial institutions, development partners, international agencies, and entrepreneurs, including young producer representatives from the municipalities.