Kagoshima, Japan, 8 December 2025 — The Secretary of State for Vocational Training and Employment of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, His Excellency Rogério Araújo Mendonça, together with the SEFOPE delegation, officially signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) with Reimei Business Cooperative in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan.
The signing ceremony was carried out with the support of the Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste in Tokyo, represented by Mr. Célio Moniz da Silva.
The agreement establishes a formal framework for cooperation in the implementation of the Technical Intern Training (TIT) Program for Timorese youth in Japan. The program will focus on priority sectors including agriculture, hospitality, elderly care, food services, and construction, aiming to enhance skills development and employability through structured training and practical experience in an international working environment.
Speaking on the occasion, the Director of Reimei Business Cooperative, Mr. Fukusaki Yasushi, highlighted that the cooperation goes beyond internship placement and forms part of a broader capacity-building strategy. He emphasized the importance of Japanese language training as a key component to better prepare participants for professional integration and competitiveness in the Japanese labor market.
His Excellency the Secretary of State expressed appreciation to Reimei Business Cooperative for its readiness to establish a cooperative partnership with SEFOPE, noting that the program provides valuable opportunities for Timorese youth to gain professional experience and technical competencies abroad. It was further noted that the employer plans to conduct recruitment activities in Timor-Leste in February 2026.
Following the signing of the MoC, the Secretary of State and the SEFOPE delegation conducted a site visit to the internship facilities at Ibusuki Port in Kagoshima, where future Timorese technical interns are expected to undertake their training. The visit provided an opportunity to review preparations on the ground and to engage directly with the host institution.
The activity concluded with a joint photo session and a courtesy luncheon between the Timor-Leste delegation and Reimei Business Cooperative representatives, symbolizing goodwill and a shared commitment to strengthening cooperation.
This agreement represents a strategic step in advancing human capital development, international skills exchange, and socio-economic progress in Timor-Leste, particularly in the area of vocational training and youth employment.
