DILI, 29 August 2025 (TATOLI) — Indonesia, through its Embassy in Timor-Leste, in partnership with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MTI), hosted a Business Forum as part of the Dili International Trade Expo 2025. Held under the theme “Strengthening Economic Cooperation between Timor-Leste and Indonesia,” the forum aimed to promote investment, enhance bilateral economic ties, and create business opportunities for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in both countries.
The event took place at the Dili Convention Center and brought together more than 150 businesspeople and high-ranking government officials from both nations.
Speaking at the forum, Indonesian Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Okto Dorinus Manik, underscored the importance of economic cooperation as the foundation of bilateral friendship. “As neighboring countries, economic cooperation is not just an option, but a strategic necessity,” he stated.
Ambassador Manik highlighted key sectors with high development potential, including trade, infrastructure, energy, agriculture, fisheries, and tourism.
Johanis Asadoma, Deputy Governor of Indonesia’s Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT) Province, described the border region as a strategic bridge between the two countries. “Governments can pave the way, but entrepreneurs are the true driving force. I invite all entrepreneurs in Indonesia and Timor-Leste to explore new opportunities, expand networks, and tap into underexplored markets,” he said.
Asadoma emphasized that trade, investment, food security, tourism, transportation, health, education, and MSME development are promising areas for collaboration.
Indonesia’s Deputy Minister of Industry, Faisol Riza, noted that Indonesia is one of Timor-Leste’s leading exporters, supplying vehicles, processed foods, machinery, electrical equipment, vegetable oils, coffee, spices, and agricultural products.
Timor-Leste’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Filipus Nino Pereira, stressed that economic cooperation must also be rooted in people-to-people relationships. “We don’t need to look far; we should start with nearby markets such as Belu, Malaka, Soe, Kupang, and eastern Indonesia,” he said.
Pereira pointed out that in 2024, NTT recorded a trade surplus of US$300 million, while Timor-Leste’s exports totaled around US$4 million, highlighting the need for expanded business opportunities to achieve balance.
The minister also shared that Timor-Leste is focused on economic diversification, reducing unemployment, and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises. Approximately 70% of the country’s population is under 35, and many are targeted by entrepreneurship programs, training initiatives, and business competitions.
The forum featured presentations by Jorge Serrano, President of the Timor-Leste Chamber of Commerce and Industry, who outlined the country’s economic landscape and challenges in doing business with Indonesia. Oktovianus Lay Khim Fa, Vice President of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, also spoke, emphasizing trade opportunities and the importance of collaboration between governments and the private sector.
The event concluded with the signing of 11 business-to-business (B2B) cooperation agreements between companies from both countries, covering sectors such as health, education, trade, technology, agriculture, and renewable energy.
Journalist : Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Rafael Ximenes de A. Belo
