CCT (Cooperativa Café Timor) Launches Clove Export to Three Countries

Dili, February 19, 2025

His Excellency, the Vice Minister of Commerce and Industry (VMCI), Mr. Augusto Júnior Trindade, accompanied His Excellency, the Deputy Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for Social Affairs, and Minister of Rural Development and Housing, Eng. Mariano Assanami Sabino, at the launch ceremony for clove exports, organized by the Cooperativa do Café Timor (CCT) in Akadirihun, Dili, on Tuesday, February 18, 2025.

During the ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Eng. Mariano Assanami Sabino expressed his gratitude to CCT and the Government of New Zealand for their continued support to farmers, encouraging the production of organic products for export.

“The government is committed to continuing its support for the agricultural sector by promoting high-value products and facilitating access to international markets. I thank CCT and the Government of New Zealand for elevating our products and supporting coffee farmers who remain dedicated to production,” stated the Deputy Prime Minister.

At the same event, Vice Minister of Commerce and Industry Mr. Augusto Júnior Trindade also expressed appreciation to strategic partners such as CCT for their commitment to supporting farmers. He emphasized that while market access is often a concern, the real challenge lies in increasing production.

“Today is a moment of great pride for our farmers, as the products they cultivate are now being exported. Last year, we exported coffee and cocoa, and now we are sending cloves. This is an impressive achievement, as a single clove tree can yield up to 20 kg, with a market price ranging between 5 and 7 dollars per kg. This demonstrates that with proper care, farmers can achieve greater economic sustainability,” said the VMCI.

The Vice Minister further added that the Ministry of Commerce and Industry continues to seek new markets and promote national products through digital platforms such as the TIP website and Made in Timor, which provide information to facilitate the import and export of Timorese goods.

The President of the Cooperativa do Café Timor, Mr. Mário Soares, highlighted that CCT has numerous members across the municipalities and, with support from the Governments of New Zealand and the United States, has been able to cultivate and sustain high-value products in the international market.

“Products like coffee, cocoa, vanilla, and cloves have great economic value. Cooperative members sell these products to CCT, contributing to improved household incomes,” stated the CCT President.

Currently, CCT, in partnership with development sectors, has prepared three containers of cloves for export, which will be shipped to the United States, France, and India.

The ceremony was attended by the Deputy Prime Minister, the Vice Minister of Commerce and Industry, the quarantine team, representatives of CCT, development partners, farmers, and other distinguished guests.