DILI, 09 february 2026 (TATOLI) — Trade and Industry Minister Filipus Nino Pereira held a courtesy meeting with the Consul General of the Republic of Maldives, Bobby Mohanty, to explore potential for investment cooperation between Timor-Leste, India and the Maldives.
The meeting took place on monday at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MCI) office in Bebora, Dili.
During the meeting, Mohanty outlined five priority sectors for investment in Timor-Leste: oil and gas, mining and minerals, higher education, insurance, and agriculture and food processing.
He said companies connected to the Indian government could help develop Timor-Leste’s oil and gas sector, including exploration, production and processing activities.
The meeting also explored potential opportunities in Timor-Leste’s mining and minerals sector.
In education, Mohanty proposed setting up medical and engineering colleges in Timor-Leste. He noted that similar curricula in India and Timor-Leste could make it easier for students and teachers to take part in exchange programs and shared learning opportunities between the two countries.
He also pointed to strong potential in the insurance sector, saying that no insurance companies are currently operating in Timor-Leste.
In addition, he identified poultry farming — particularly egg production — and food processing as strategic areas to support economic diversification and reduce imports.
Further discussions emphasised the importance of developing industrial parks and special economic zones to attract investment, including the growth of agro-industry and food processing industries.
Mohanty said business forums had been organised in Singapore and New Delhi to provide detailed information on investment opportunities in Timor-Leste, including through TradeInvest.
The Consul also expressed readiness to facilitate a business forum between India and Timor-Leste to expand bilateral cooperation.
Minister Pereira reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting investors through appropriate policies and the provision of information on priority sectors.
Both sides agreed to continue dialogue, share data and explore concrete steps to strengthen future economic and investment ties.
Journalist: Cidalia Fátima
Editor: Armandina Moniz
Translation: Camilio de Sousa
