The coastal enclave of Oe-cusse-Ambeno located in the western part of the island of Timor, part of Timor-Leste’ territory, has been designated as a Special Social Market Economic Zone (ZEMSS). Oe-cusse’s strategic location and coastal access holds tremendous potentially for advancing the nation’s Blue Economy prospects.

ZEESM is a national development programme which aims to establish special social trading zones to enable growth of a social market economy. Oé-Cusse boasts pristine beaches, unspoiled landscapes, stunning flora and fauna, and enjoy abundant marine life, rich traditional cultures, and hospitable communities.

The Government of Timor-Leste has invested in Oe-cusse over the past years in large scale infrastructure development and building construction including bridges, irrigation dam, a port and international airport. There are daily flights to connecting the capital Dili to Oe-cusse, and a government funded ferry operates twice a week from the capital Dili.