DILI, 12 May 2026 (TATOLI) — The Japan-Australia Business Co-operation Committee (JABCC) has expressed interest in supporting Timor-Leste’s business sector, including plans to establish a business training center in Dili to strengthen local capacity and boost economic growth.
JABCC Chairman Michiaki Hirose conveyed the initiative during a meeting with Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão in Dili.
The initiative aimed to expand economic cooperation between Japan and Timor-Leste through initiatives that support entrepreneurship, skills development and private sector growth.
“I am delighted to meet the Prime Minister in person to discuss economic cooperation between Japan and Timor-Leste. We also express our interest in establishing a business center in Timor-Leste,” Hirose said.
Hirose said the initiative would focus on business development and skills training to strengthen the country’s business sector.
He was accompanied during the meeting by Japan’s ambassador to Timor-Leste, Yayushi Yamamoto.
Since establishing diplomatic relations in 2002, Timor-Leste and Japan have built a strong partnership based on mutual respect and shared values as maritime nations with histories of resilience.
Japan has been a key supporter of Timor-Leste’s development, providing assistance in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and disaster risk reduction [and environment protection among others], through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), international organizations, Japanese and Timorese NGOs.
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