DILI, 31 July 2025 (TATOLI) – Minister of Commerce and Industry, Filipus Nino Pereira, announced that the Government has allocated more than $300,000 for the upcoming Dili International Trade Expo 2025, which will take place from August 28 to September 1.
The expo aims to bring together small and medium-sized enterprises, entrepreneurs, and non-governmental organizations to showcase their achievements, highlight innovations in culture and technology, and promote cross-sector collaboration.
Eight countries have confirmed their participation, including China-Macau, Indonesia, Cambodia, the Philippines, India, Brunei, Malaysia, and Canada.
“This is the first time we’re organizing an international-level expo in Timor-Leste. We’re making maximum preparations to ensure that all foreign guests feel welcome and comfortable during their stay,” Pereira said at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry headquarters in Bebora.
He emphasized the importance of international business presence, noting that many foreign participants will share their experiences – such as Cambodia’s insights on joining ASEAN –which could serve as valuable lessons for Timor-Leste, especially in the commerce and industry sectors.
The five-day exhibition will also feature participation from the national private sector, fostering connections with international entrepreneurs. It will open up business networks and explore opportunities for cooperation, helping to unlock Timor-Leste’s economic potential.
Activities will include seminars, business talk shows, presentations on technological discoveries, signing of memoranda of understanding between business entities, and business forums involving Timor-Leste, Indonesia, and Macau. Cultural performances and presentations by the Timor-Leste Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI-TL) will also highlight loan and credit support from BNCTL, Timor-Leste’s bank.
The Minister noted that preparations for the event are already 85% complete.
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry is coordinating with other government ministries to ensure the success of the Dili International Trade Expo 2025 and to provide a comfortable experience for all international participants.
Journalist: Arminda Fonseca
Editor: Maria Auxiliadora
Translation: Rafael Ximenes de A. Belo
