Dili, 04 Mei 2026 (Media Democracia) – Japanese Ambassador to Timor-Leste visits the Timor-Leste Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI-TL) to reaffirm the Japanese Government’s commitment to continue prioritizing the development and strengthening of Timorese entrepreneurs.
According to the President of the Timor-Leste Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI-TL), Jorge Manuel de Araujo Serano, some Timorese with companies have already started investing in projects.
“Some companies have already started, Timorese have started doing it and now we also require foreign companies that come here, at the very least, when they build roads, investments, and projects, they also invest and help our development in our country. Therefore, Timorese continue to ask them to invest in all sectors.” said the President of the Timor-Leste Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI-TL), Jorge Manuel de Araujo, at the CCI-TL Hall (30/04/2026).
The President also added that in 2029 when Timor-Leste becomes the host of ASEAN, it must prepare products and explore the market.
“Because our state has already declared it will host ASEAN in 2029, automatically the Chamber of Commerce will lead ASEAN. We must prepare product ceremonies and take advantage of this mandate to explore the market. Some colleagues have invested in chicken farming in Liquica Municipality. ASEAN is a big market. We cannot compete with other ASEAN products, but the world is looking for healthy organic products, good food for the market, those foods are local foods, local rice, and other products. In the near future we will have alternative solutions in Timor.” he informed.
On the other hand, Japanese Ambassador Yamamoto Yasushi affirmed that many companies from Japan are very interested in Timor-Leste and will continue to prioritize Timorese entrepreneurs.
“In the future, cooperation between the Embassy and the Timor-Leste Chamber of Commerce and Industry, many companies from Japan are very interested in Timor-Leste’s accession. We continue to look at priorities for Timorese entrepreneurs, as Japan is a very important partner for Timor-Leste. Currently, their large companies are investing in Laleia in the renewable area and also in the factory that sells canned fish. There is an expectation that in 2029 a large ship factory in Timor, 200 meters long, will mark a new milestone when leading ASEAN in Timor-Leste, participating in this, we also discussed some issues, the Chamber of Commerce has some Japanese government members who also promote investment in Timor-Leste.” said Japanese Ambassador Yamamoto Yasushi.
In addition, the meeting discussed cooperation to strengthen the private sector, especially support for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), capacity training, and facilitating access to markets and financing.
Report By: Trainees Novita and Baquita
Photo By: Trainee Baquita