DILI, 26 May 2026 (TATOLI) – The Deputy Executive Director of TradeInvest Timor-Leste, Roberto Lai, highlighted Timor-Leste’s strategic geographical position as an important gateway for investment, trade, and regional partnership cooperation. He delivered the remarks during the Asia-Pacific Young Entrepreneurs Forum held at Timor Plaza under the theme “One Asia-Pacific, One Family: Strengthening Regional Business Relations.”
The forum was organized by the National Association of Young Entrepreneurs of Timor-Leste (ANJET) in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Timor-Leste (CCI-TL), the International Trade Centre (ITC), the Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CACCI), and the Young Entrepreneurs Group Asia Pacific (YEGAP), with financial support from the European Union in Timor-Leste.
The event aimed to connect local businesses with regional partners, suppliers, and investors in order to create concrete trade and investment opportunities. The program also provided practical knowledge and capacity-building activities for local entrepreneurs to better meet international standards and improve the competitiveness of Timorese products in export markets. Training sessions and workshops were conducted to help local companies prepare for regional and global trade requirements.
During the forum, ANJET and YEGAP also formalized an official partnership to strengthen Timor-Leste’s continued participation as an active member of the regional entrepreneurial network.
In his presentation, Roberto Lai emphasized that Timor-Leste holds strong potential to become an important hub for investment, trade, and partnership within the ASEAN and Asia-Pacific regions. He explained that Timor-Leste’s location between Southeast Asia and Australia places the country strategically within the Indo-Pacific region, which continues to emerge as a major center for global trade and economic growth.
He further stated that Timor-Leste’s integration into ASEAN will enhance trade connectivity, investment flows, and economic cooperation with ASEAN member states. According to him, this development will further position Timor-Leste as an emerging and attractive market for regional and international investors.
Beyond its strategic location, Timor-Leste also possesses significant natural resources and economic potential in sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, tourism, renewable energy, oil, and gas. These sectors continue to play an important role in driving national economic development and attracting foreign investment. At the same time, ongoing infrastructure development is strengthening the country’s economic capacity and improving the business environment.
Mr. Roberto Lai also underlined the Government’s strong commitment, through TradeInvest Timor-Leste, to creating a transparent, stable, and investment-friendly environment. Through facilitation services, investor support, and institutional coordination, the Government aims to ensure that investors can conduct business efficiently and confidently in Timor-Leste.
During the occasion, he reaffirmed that TradeInvest Timor-Leste continues to serve as the principal facilitator for investment and business partnerships in Timor-Leste by providing integrated services and coordination throughout the investment process.
“TradeInvest is committed to supporting investors throughout the investment process. Our support includes market information, investment guidance, coordination with government institutions, business matchmaking, and aftercare services. We also facilitate business missions, project site visits, B2B engagement, and institutional coordination. Our objective is to help investors better understand investment opportunities in Timor-Leste and build sustainable long-term partnerships,” said Roberto Lai.
Before concluding his remarks, the Deputy Executive Director reaffirmed that Timor-Leste is ready for investment and partnership cooperation. He warmly invited companies and investors to explore business opportunities and collaboration with Timor-Leste, while reaffirming TradeInvest Timor-Leste’s commitment to facilitating investments that contribute to national economic development.
The event was attended by His Excellency Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, Presidente of CCI-TL, President of ANJET, President of CACCI and YEGAP, representatives of the national and international businesses, young entrepreneurs, investors, and regional and international organizations.
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