DILI, 29 August 2025 (TATOLI) — The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI), in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Timor-Leste (CCI-TL), officially opened the Dili International Business Forum on Friday at the GMN Building in Bebora, Dili. The event is designed to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into Timor-Leste.
Minister of Trade and Industry, Nino Filipus Pereira, stated that the forum’s objective is to promote sustainable investment and economic development by drawing foreign investors to Timor-Leste’s key sectors, including agriculture, tourism, renewable energy, and oil and gas.
“It aims to establish strategic partnerships, showcase the nation’s diverse economic potential, and secure commitments for investment and collaboration to foster long-term national growth and integrate Timor-Leste into both the ASEAN and global markets,” Minister Pereira said.
He emphasized Timor-Leste’s investment-friendly environment and economic potential, highlighting the importance of fostering partnerships and facilitating collaboration among national and international businesses, government institutions, and development partners.
CCI-TL President Jorge Serrano described the forum as more than a business convention. “It is a space where ideas, people, and projects converge to drive economic growth, diversify the productive agenda, and create quality employment for the Timorese people,” he said.
“By bringing together local, regional, and international companies, we create an efficient networking platform, opportunities for deal-making, knowledge exchange, and the establishment of strategic partnerships that enhance Timor-Leste’s competitiveness on the global stage,” Serrano added.
Cambodia’s Secretary of State for the Ministry of Commerce, Rithi Pich, shared his country’s experience, noting that Cambodia’s nominal GDP was approximately $42.34 billion in 2023. Projections for 2025 vary, with some institutions forecasting growth to over $51 billion, while others estimate around $33.59 billion. Cambodia’s economy is expected to expand by 6.3 percent in 2025.
He highlighted the significance of Cambodia’s textiles and garment industry, alongside manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism, as key contributors to economic growth. “Cambodia stands ready to support Timor-Leste’s government and private sector, along with the 600 million-strong ASEAN population, to drive regional economic growth through industrialization,” he said.
Also presenting at the forum was Indonesia’s Deputy Minister of Industry, Faisol Riza, who delivered a presentation titled “Industrial Policy for Inclusive Growth.” He discussed supply chain development in large industries, identifying opportunities for quality improvement and product diversification based on value chain requirements and market objectives.
Riza emphasized the importance of accelerating job creation and expanding employment opportunities to mitigate the potential negative effects of the demographic bonus, particularly rising unemployment rates.
The Dili International Business Forum welcomed government officials, international and local business leaders from Indonesia, Malaysia, Fiji, China (Macau), India, Cambodia, Brunei Darussalam, as well as economists, academics, and other distinguished guests.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor : Rafael Ximenes de A. Belo
