Timor-Leste seeks Australian investment to diversify its economy and create employment opportunities.
Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão called for increased private-sector investment and stronger economic ties with Australia at the Invest Timor-Leste 2026 forum in Dili on 29 October 2026. The forum aimed to encourage international investment, expand domestic production and create employment opportunities as the country sought to reduce its dependence on petroleum revenues.
Speaking at the event, held at Palm Springs Hotel in Dili, Prime Minister Gusmão emphasised the need to develop a stronger private sector to support sustainable economic growth and reduce reliance on the Petroleum Fund for national development.
“We cannot continue to depend on the Petroleum Fund to finance our development,” he said, urging international investors to contribute capital, technology, skills and expertise to Timor-Leste. He noted that foreign investment could support local businesses, increase productive capacity and generate new economic opportunities.
The Prime Minister identified tourism, agriculture and renewable energy as priority sectors for investment. He highlighted Timor-Leste’s natural landscapes, marine biodiversity, historical sites and cultural heritage as assets with potential to attract tourism investment. In agriculture, he stressed the importance of expanding domestic production and reducing dependence on imported goods, while renewable energy was identified as another area for private-sector participation.
Gusmão also reiterated the government’s commitment to developing the Greater Sunrise gas project, including its ambition to process natural gas domestically. To improve the investment climate, the government was working to simplify administrative procedures, streamline business licensing, support domestic entrepreneurs and improve access to finance.
According to a joint statement issued at the forum, approximately 70 Australian companies participated in the event to explore business opportunities in Timor-Leste. Participants received presentations on three potential investment opportunities in tourism, agriculture and renewable energy. Meanwhile, 31 Timorese companies underwent training to develop and present business proposals to prospective international partners.
Australian Ambassador to Timor-Leste Caitlin Wilson announced that an Australian-funded private-sector development programme was expected to commence soon, with AUD 80 million allocated over a 10-year period.
The annual Invest Timor-Leste forum aims to promote trade and commercial relations between Timor-Leste and Australia, encourage bilateral investment and facilitate business connections between companies from both countries.
Source: TATOLI Agencia Noticiosa de Timor-Leste
