Timor-Leste, Indonesia deepen economic cooperation at Bali business forum
DÍLI, 08 October 2026 (TATOLI) — Timor-Leste and Indonesia have stepped up efforts to strengthen trade, investment and business ties at a forum in Bali that brought together government officials, business leaders and investors from the two countries.
Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry Marcos da Cruz represented Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Francisco Kalbuadi Lay at the forum, held in Bali on October 2–3 under the theme “Connecting Opportunities, Building Prosperity.”
The forum was held as part of the Bali International Business & Investment Forum 2026 and brought together about 60 Timorese businesspeople to explore opportunities for partnerships, investment and trade with Indonesian counterparts.
The programme focused on cooperation in the blue and green economies, tourism, agriculture, fisheries, trade, investment, connectivity, education, innovation and business development.
In his address, Marcos highlighted the potential for closer economic ties between Timor-Leste and Indonesia, particularly through greater private-sector engagement, investment, entrepreneurship, technology transfer, innovation and human-resource development.
“A strong economic relationship does not depend only on trade, but also on investment, entrepreneurship, knowledge, technology, finance and innovation,” he said.
The forum resulted in three cooperation agreements covering livestock, the acquisition and modernisation of vessels, and education, including collaboration in teaching, research and community service.
Marcos also met Bali Governor Wayan Koster to discuss potential cooperation in tourism, agriculture, livestock, fisheries and trade. They also exchanged views on Bali’s experience in cattle breeding and livestock management and possible cooperation in the sector.
The minister later met Indonesian National Economic Council Chairman Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, with discussions focusing on agriculture, education, human-resource development and technology.
The Indonesian side expressed its readiness to share experience and technical expertise with Timor-Leste, including in technology transfer and human-resource training.
As part of the programme, the Timorese delegation visited businesses and economic facilities in Bali, including a business centre in Nusa Dua, hospitality-related operations, cattle farms and boat production and construction facilities.
The visits provided the delegation with an opportunity to examine management practices, technologies and business models that could support future cooperation between the two countries.
The delegation from Timor-Leste’s Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry included Director-General of Fisheries and Aquaculture Acácio dos Santos and National Director of Irrigation Jacinto Gama.
The business forum also provided a platform for direct contacts between Timorese and Indonesian businesses to identify potential partnerships, investment projects and new trade opportunities.
TATOLI
