DILI, 09 March 2026 (TATOLI) — Vice Minister of Commerce and Industry Augusto Júnior Trindade took part in a virtual meeting on March 5 to discuss future cooperation between Timor-Leste and China, alongside representatives from academic institutions, economic organizations and research centers across the Asia-Pacific region.
The videoconference meeting, held in Dili, was organized to mark the fifth anniversary of the establishment of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
In his remarks, Trindade thanked the organizers and highlighted the importance of dialogue and international cooperation at a time when the global economy faces growing challenges.
He noted that relations between China and ASEAN remain strong and serve as an example of how cooperation can contribute to regional stability and economic growth.
Trindade also emphasized that, as Timor-Leste advances its integration process with ASEAN, the government continues to implement reforms aimed at strengthening economic integration. These include improving trade facilitation, modernizing the customs system and promoting the development of the digital economy.
He added that cooperation with international partners such as China can support the implementation of these initiatives.
During the meeting, participants outlined several priority areas for expanding cooperation between Timor-Leste and China, including trade and investment, infrastructure development, digital transformation, climate change adaptation and institutional capacity building.
The meeting brought together representatives from countries participating in the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), including Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines.
Representatives from several institutions also participated, including the Belt and Road Initiative Research Institute at Tsinghua University, the Hong Kong International Financial Society, International Daily, the Sanya Institute of Public Diplomacy Research and the Zheng He International Cooperation Organization.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
