Industrialization is essential for the economic development of a country (Porter, 2004). There are
few examples of countries that have made the transition without industrialization, much at the
expense of the existence of valuable natural resources (such as oil and diamonds), but with the
resulting social inequalities. Industrialization is the normal process for the development of the
economies, associated with the phenomenon of globalization of the industry and markets, allows
the rapid growth of the same. Take the case of China, which in just over twenty years, went from
a really rural to an industrial power in global terms (UNIDO, 2009). Why promote industrialization
in poor countries? Because if the developed countries to support industrialization in developing
countries benefit from cheaper manufactured goods and the process allows to reduce the gap
and inequalities between developed and developing countries (UNIDO, 2009).
East Timor was an overseas province of Portugal until 1974 and for 450 years. After this period,
the territory was invaded and occupied by Indonesia, a situation that lasted until the referendum
held on August 30, 1999. The process leading up to this historic event was long and difficult but
with the support of the United Nations, selfdetermination has finally arrived in East Timor in
2002. The proposal of the government of East Timor to the economic development is a strategic
long term model and intends to reflect the will and aspirations of the people.
Being a young country, post-conflict and with low incomes, it is pointed out the need to
implement a unique and specific strategy to the country in order to bring prosperity. One way to
achieve these aspirations may pass through private sector investment through the creation and
implementation of industry in the country. This allows for increased employment, improved living
conditions of the Timorese people and consequently the economic development of Timor-Leste,
reinforcing the message widely disseminated in "Goodbye Conflict, Welcome Development". For
the period 2011-2030, the first decade will focus on creating the basic conditions for
development in all areas: infrastructure, education and training, health, agricultural productivity
and food selfsufficiency, sustainable urbanization and development of important sectors industry
and services. Private investment in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Research and
Experimental Development (R&D) in key sectors are one of the four pillars of the economic
framework by 2020, presented by the government of East Timor (PED 2010). The present thesis intends to define a set of guidelines for the implementation of an industrial
unit in East Timor. With the goal of identifying industrial areas most relevant to East Timor and
taking as a starting point the case study of Timorense reality, a survey was held with Timorense
population and information was collected with governamental entities as well with some industry.
Considering the results obtained, research continued with a visiting phase in Portuguese
industries for knowledge of technological evolution.