Austrade’s “Partnering for a Greener Future” mission coincided with the second Timor-Leste Australia Economic and Business Conference (TLAUCON2025) from 5–6 August in Dili, Timor-Leste.
Australia’s Special Envoy for Southeast Asia, Mr Nicholas Moore AO, and more than 100 Australian businesses attended TLAUCON2025, a sign of the growing economic partnership between Australia and Timor-Leste.
TLAUCON2025 was delivered by the Australian Embassy in Timor-Leste and the Government of Timor-Leste.
The mission was led by Australia’s Business Champion to Timor-Leste, Shane Walden (CEO of ALN Container Line) and Austrade Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner, Stephen Skulley.
Austrade hosted a delegation of 11 Australian businesses in the renewable energy, mining equipment technology and services (METS), infrastructure, marine services and broader green economy sectors. In addition to attending TLAUCON2025, delegates took part in targeted business-matching events, meeting with more than 45 Timor-Leste businesses.
The President of Timor-Leste, H.E. José Ramos-Horta, had a message for Australia at the TLAUCON2025 Gala Dinner.
‘To the Australian business leaders and investors present today: Timor-Leste is open for business. We offer a young, motivated workforce, a growing regional outlook, and the opportunity to be part of our nation’s transformation story. I invite you to explore the many opportunities our country presents and to partner with us in shaping a resilient and prosperous future.’ – H.E. José Ramos-Horta, President of Timor-Leste
Exploring opportunities in Timor-Leste
Timor-Leste has a growing pipeline of early-stage minerals exploration projects, presenting opportunities for Australian METS businesses. The country aims to reach upper-middle-income status by 2030, providing a stable and attractive environment for investment from credible exploration firms.
There are also new growth opportunities for Australia’s infrastructure sector.
Australian building and construction materials exporter Pacific Islands International attended the mission and valued the opportunity to explore new partnerships and build on existing customer relationships.
‘I have been travelling to Timor-Leste for 11 years and hadn’t met the calibre of people that Austrade was able to pull together in one room,’ says Luke Jackson, Export Manager with Pacific Islands International. Read about Pacific Islands International’s work in the Pacific in this case study.
‘There is real momentum behind the economic partnership between Australia and Timor-Leste,’ says Stephen Skulley, Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner Austrade. ‘Now more than ever, Australian exporters and investors understand the benefits of diversification. With Timor-Leste right on our doorstep, the market is firmly on our radar.’
Australia’s Special Envoy for Southeast Asia, Mr Nicholas Moore AO, addresses a packed house at the Timor-Leste Australia Economic and Business Conference Gala Dinner.
Partnering to achieve mutual net zero goals
Austrade and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade collaborated with the Government of Timor-Leste, Chamber of Commerce and Industry Timor-Leste, and TradeInvest Timor-Leste to further strengthen Australia’s growing economic partnership.
Speaking to an audience of more than 300 delegates at the TLAUCON2025 Gala Dinner, Mr Nicholas Moore highlighted the progress made to deliver against Invested: Australia's Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040 recommendations.
‘There was much that was recommended that the Government has acted on and much has been achieved to date, but of course we are ambitious to see a lot more happening,’ Mr Moore says.
‘The most important recommendation we made is reflected in what we see here this evening, increasing awareness of the opportunities that exist between Australia and our neighbours.’
The mission featured 4 Indigenous-owned businesses with the capability to deliver climate-resilient infrastructure, sustainable mining and renewable energy solutions in partnership with Timor-Leste businesses. The strong Indigenous business delegation highlights the important role Australia’s First Nations industry leaders play in building meaningful trade and investment relationships in Southeast Asia.
‘Australia’s Indigenous businesses have recognised expertise working in rugged and harsh environments to develop innovative renewable energy, sustainable mining and climate-resilient infrastructure solutions,’ says Melanie Harris, Head of Indigenous Engagement and Export at Austrade.
‘With Austrade’s support, these businesses are extending their capability into the Indo-Pacific and building relationships that align with the cultural values of our neighbours. For Indigenous businesses participating in the Timor-Leste mission, their ability to work across diverse cultural groups is a distinct competitive advantage.’
Sign up to receive the latest news and insights about Southeast Asia.
Go further, faster with Austrade
Austrade’s Go Global Toolkit helps you learn the export basics, find the right markets and understand market requirements.