Australia reaffirms support for Timor-Leste’s economic reform agenda under PROSIVU partnership
DILI, 30 July 2026 (TATOLI) – Australia and Timor-Leste have reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the country’s economic and institutional reform agenda through the second phase of the Partnership for Inclusive Prosperity (PROSIVU), with a renewed focus on strengthening public institutions, improving economic governance and supporting Timor-Leste’s integration into ASEAN.
The commitment was reaffirmed during the annual PROSIVU Steering Committee meeting in Dili on Wednesday. The meeting was co-chaired by Finance Minister Santina Cardoso and Australian Ambassador to Timor-Leste Caitlin Wilson.
The committee reviewed progress made during the programme’s first phase, implemented from 2022 to 2026, and endorsed priorities for the second phase, which will run from 2026 to 2028.
The new phase will continue supporting the Timor-Leste government’s efforts to strengthen public institutions, improve economic governance, modernise public administration, reinforce public financial management and deepen regional integration through the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The programme also aims to expand economic opportunities, improve public services and ensure public resources are managed efficiently to deliver long-term benefits for the Timorese people.
Ambassador Wilson described PROSIVU as a reflection of the “strong and enduring partnership” between Australia and Timor-Leste, built on a shared commitment to promoting a peaceful, stable, prosperous and resilient future.
She said the second phase of PROSIVU would enable both countries to continue working together to strengthen institutions, expand economic opportunities and promote inclusive development that benefits all Timorese.
As part of its economic reform agenda, Australia will continue supporting measures to improve Timor-Leste’s business environment, including promoting investment and trade, developing the tourism sector, expanding online business registration services and coordinating broader economic reforms.
The programme will also support women’s economic empowerment, improve inclusive services for people with disabilities and strengthen digital connectivity.
A key priority of the second phase is helping Timor-Leste maximise the benefits of its ASEAN membership by supporting implementation of the ASEAN Economic Community Roadmap, meeting regional standards and commitments, attracting trade and investment, and providing English-language training for civil servants.
Australia’s cooperation with the Ministry of Finance will also continue to focus on strengthening public financial management to ensure state resources contribute to economic growth, job creation and improved public service delivery.
The partnership will further support civil service reform through strategic assistance to the Civil Service Commission, strengthening administrative systems and helping develop a Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion Strategy for Timor-Leste’s public service.
Finance Minister Cardoso thanked the Australian government for its continued support and expressed confidence that the programme’s second phase would deliver tangible benefits for the country.
“On behalf of the Government of Timor-Leste, I thank the Government of Australia for its commitment to this partnership. I am confident that, through continued collaboration and clear priorities, the second phase will deliver concrete benefits for the Timorese people,” Cardoso said.
PROSIVU is a bilateral cooperation programme between Australia and Timor-Leste that supports structural reforms, strengthens public institutions and promotes more inclusive and sustainable economic development.
TATOLI
