Japanese organizations that provided medical and other emergency assistance to East Timor in the early stages of its transition to independence have continued to support the country's economy by purchasing coffee over the past 10 years.

Seeking ways to help East Timor become more economically independent following its independence in 2002, Japanese support groups turned to importing coffee — the underdeveloped country's only agricultural produce at the time.

Despite the many obstacles to establishing new marketing routes in East Timor, which on May 20 celebrated the 10th anniversary of its independence from Indonesia, the groups have continued to develop the initiative.