Indonesia and Timor-Leste are exploring initial investment opportunities following a meeting between Timor-Leste’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Filipus Nino Pereira, and Kupang Deputy Mayor Serena Cosgrova Francis in Dili on Monday (6/1/2025). During the meeting, Serena highlighted the investment potential in Timor-Leste and proposed connecting networks of entrepreneurs from Jakarta and Australia to collaborate on investment initiatives. Minister Pereira emphasized the significance of foreign investments to drive Timor-Leste’s economic development, expressing optimism about fostering economic cooperation between the two nations.
Serena encouraged young entrepreneurs in Indonesia's Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT) region to join forces with their Timor-Leste counterparts while extending a similar invitation to the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN). She revealed that five entrepreneurs from Jakarta and Australia have already shown interest in investing in Timor-Leste. Minister Pereira underscored the need for substantial foreign investment, particularly from Indonesia, to bolster Timor-Leste's economic growth through capital infusion and technology transfer. He invited Serena and her network to participate in the Tiles International Expo in March 2025, a platform aimed at expanding business networks and strengthening international cooperation. The meeting concluded with Minister Pereira congratulating Serena and Christian Widodo on their election as regional leaders.
