The Indian business delegation held productive discussions with H. E. Augusto Junior, Vice Minister of Commerce and Industries of Timor-Leste on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Manila, exploring opportunities for investment and economic cooperation across several priority sectors.
During the meeting, the Vice Minister invited the delegation to visit Dili, the capital of Timor-Leste, to gain a first-hand understanding of the country’s business environment and emerging investment opportunities. The discussions highlighted mining, renewable energy, hospitality, tourism, hotels, restaurants, livestock and food processing as sectors with significant potential for Indian participation.
The Vice Minister drew attention to Timor-Leste’s strategic location near Australia and Indonesia, noting that the country could serve as a regional hub for Indian businesses seeking access to Southeast Asian and Pacific markets.
Solar energy emerged as an important area of mutual interest, reflecting Timor-Leste’s need for sustainable energy infrastructure and India’s growing capabilities in renewable-energy technology and project development. Opportunities in hospitality and livestock development were also discussed in detail.
Dr. Asif Iqbal, President of Indian Economic Trade Organization participated in the meeting as part of the delegation and contributed to the discussions on strengthening commercial engagement between India and Timor-Leste.
The Vice Minister also invited Allana Foods, one of India’s major companies in livestock products and processed foods, to explore opportunities in Timor-Leste and the wider regional market, including Indonesia. The company’s experience in integrated food processing, livestock-based industries and international distribution could support Timor-Leste’s efforts to develop value-added agricultural and food-processing capabilities.
The Mohan Mutha Group was represented during the engagement by Mr. Rishi Dilip Jain, who is scheduled to visit Timor-Leste this week to further explore potential projects and partnerships.
The meeting reflected a renewed commitment to strengthening India–Timor-Leste economic relations through private-sector participation, investment facilitation and institutional cooperation. Both sides expressed interest in converting the discussions into practical initiatives, business visits and long-term partnerships.
The engagement represents an encouraging step towards expanding India’s commercial presence in Timor-Leste while supporting the country’s development priorities and its potential role as a gateway connecting South Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia and the wider Pacific region.
This meeting was facilitated at a very short notice by the ambassador of Timor Leste H.E. Karlito Nunes in New Delhi. This meeting turned out to be very fruitful and with lot of important points discussed in the meeting with priority sectors explained by the Minister and his delegation.
A delegation of the ASEAN India Business Council is planning to visit the country soon.
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