DILI, 21 May 2026 (TATOLI) – The Ambassador of Canada to Indonesia and Timor-Leste, Jess Dutton, on Thursday held a productive bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão at the Government Palace in Dili.
The meeting aimed to elevate relations between Timor-Leste and Canada to a special strategic partnership, with a strong focus on expanding investment collaboration and introducing Canadian investors to opportunities in Timor-Leste.
During the meeting, Ambassador Jess Dutton introduced a delegation comprising representatives from the Canada ASEAN Business Council, Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, BlackBerry Government Solutions, National Bank of Canada and Export Development Canada (EDC), who are seeking to explore investment opportunities in the country.
Dutton said Timor-Leste has significant potential for foreign investment across several sectors, including oil and gas, tourism and agriculture, saying that Canadian businesses are therefore seeking to explore investment opportunities in ASEAN’s newest member state.
He added that Timor-Leste’s official accession to ASEAN has attracted growing interest from international investors, including Canadian companies seeking opportunities in the country.
The Ambassador said that during the meeting he also briefed Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão of Canada’s commitment to invest US$15 million in a solar energy project in Timor-Leste.
Canada has strong expertise in renewable energy, oil and gas, agricultural technology, and ocean management, which could support Timor-Leste’s development priorities.
The Prime Minister welcomed the Canadian investors to the country and expressed appreciation for Canada’s commitment to supporting Timor-Leste’s clean energy project.
TATOLI
