At this year's China-ASEAN Expo, Filipus Nino Pereira, Timor-Leste's minister of commerce and industry, highlighted the event's role as a strategic gateway for his country to deepen economic and infrastructure cooperation with China.
The annual expo, known for bringing together businesses and policymakers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the Chinese mainland, offers Timor-Leste a platform to explore new trade partnerships and tackle infrastructure gaps. In recent years, the small nation has focused on upgrading ports, roads and energy networks to attract overseas investment and boost growth.
"The China-ASEAN Expo opens doors to projects that can transform our local economies and support sustainable development across Timor-Leste," Pereira said. His remarks underscore a broader push by young ASEAN members to integrate into regional supply chains and digital markets.
For entrepreneurs, tech innovators and policy makers across the G20, Timor-Leste's engagement at the expo signals emerging opportunities in one of Southeast Asia's newest markets. As the nation builds on its strategic location, digital-savvy ventures and green infrastructure projects are set to draw global attention.
Looking ahead, the China-ASEAN Expo will continue to act as a bridge for cross-border collaboration—fostering connections that span from startup ecosystems to large-scale public works. For a global audience of travelers, investors and changemakers, Timor-Leste's expo journey offers fresh insights into how small states can punch above their weight on the world stage.
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Timor-Leste minister: China-ASEAN Expo key to Timor-Leste-China ties
cgtn.com
