DILI, 23 October 2025 (TATOLI) — The Government of China, through its Embassy in Timor-Leste, has donated 100,000 Chinese Yuan (approximately US$15,000) to the Timor-Leste Coffee Association (ACT) to support the revitalization of the country’s coffee plantations.
Chinese Ambassador to Timor-Leste Wang Wenli said the ACT plays a crucial role in guiding, supporting, and mobilizing local coffee farmers, as well as promoting Timor-Leste’s renowned organic coffee.
“Today, the Government and people of China, through our Embassy in Timor-Leste, are donating 100,000 RMB to help revitalize coffee plantations in Timor-Leste,” Ambassador Wang said during a ceremony at ACT’s office in Fatuhada, Dili, on Thursday.
She emphasized that coffee remains a pillar of Timor-Leste’s economy, providing income for thousands of households. “Coffee is also a key area of cooperation between our two countries.”
Ambassador Wenli reaffirmed that the Chinese Embassy in Dili will continue to implement the important agreements reached by both nations’ leaders.
She said China will strengthen collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Forestry, the Ministry of Trade and Industry, and ACT to promote training in coffee planting and processing, and to support the export of Timorese coffee to China.
“I hope this partnership will enable Timorese enterprises and communities to fully benefit from China–Timor-Leste cooperation,” Wang added.
ACT President Daniel Leong said the donation will help the association continue its coffee rehabilitation initiatives, including stumping and pruning techniques, providing technical assistance to farmers, and raising awareness about best practices to enhance productivity and sustainability.
He explained that ACT also works to connect Timorese coffee producers with specialty markets — particularly in China — and organizes annual coffee quality competitions.
“With China’s support, ACT will continue to improve the livelihoods of coffee farmers and their communities, as coffee remains one of the country’s most important non-oil exports,” Leong said.
Meanwhile, Martino Soares, General Director of Agriculture, Coffee, and Plantation Industry at the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Forestry, expressed appreciation to both ACT and the Chinese Embassy for their ongoing partnership.
“On behalf of the Government of Timor-Leste, I thank ACT and the Government of China for their close cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture in revitalizing coffee production in municipalities such as Ermera, Aileu, and Liquiçá,” Soares said. “Their joint efforts are contributing to the sustainable growth of the coffee sector and increasing Timor-Leste’s coffee exports.”
The Association of Coffee Timor (ACT) — officially known as Asosiasaun Café Timor-Leste (ACTL) — is a non-profit organization established in 2016 to strengthen Timor-Leste’s coffee industry. Its members include baristas, roasters, traders, exporters, and farmers dedicated to improving coffee quality, boosting export value, and building a strong international brand for Timorese coffee.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
