DILI (TOP) - Marriott and the JAPE Group have signed an agreement to develop a hotel project in Timor-Leste. An agreement of cooperation was also signed between the Timor-Leste–Australia Business Council (TL-ABC) and the Northern Territory Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Australia, strengthening economic cooperation between Timor-Leste and Australia through the Timor-Leste–Australia Business Forum.
The two agreements were signed at the opening ceremony of the Timor-Leste–Australia Business Forum and the Invest Timor-Leste 2026 Gala Dinner, held at the GMN Multipurpose Hall, Bebora, Dili, on Wednesday (28/10), in the presence of Prime Minister (PM) Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão.
The first agreement is between Marriott and the JAPE Group, which will open the way for the development of the Courtyard Marriott Hotel in Timor-Leste. The second is between TL-ABC and the Northern Territory Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Australia.
The agreement between TL-ABC and the Northern Territory Chamber of Commerce and Industry aims to strengthen practical cooperation between the business communities of the Northern Territory of Australia and Timor-Leste, through the establishment of a first point of contact for members in Darwin and Dili, in order to facilitate and support business activity.
Deputy Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs and Minister of Tourism and Environment, Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, considered the ceremony an opportunity to strengthen partnerships and identify new opportunities for investment, job creation and prosperity.
“It is a great honour to welcome you, on behalf of the Government of Timor-Leste, to the Invest Timor-Leste 2026 Gala Dinner. Tonight, members of the Government and the business community have gathered to strengthen partnerships and turn the opportunities we share into investment, jobs and prosperity,” he said.
He also stressed that Timor-Leste and Australia are not only neighbouring countries but also good friends with historic ties between the peoples of the two lands. With Timor-Leste’s first anniversary as a full member of ASEAN, new opportunities are opening for trade, investment, tourism and stronger links with Southeast Asia.
“We welcome Australian entrepreneurs who are interested in building partnerships with Timorese micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), cooperatives and the private sector, and also in investing in major projects. The Government of Timor-Leste is committed to improving the business environment through clearer rules, transparent processes and reliable institutions,” the Deputy PM said.
Francisco Kalbuadi Lay encouraged investors to build partnerships, explore joint ventures, share knowledge and identify projects that can be developed together.
“Our goal is investment that creates jobs, develops skills, supports local business and improves people’s lives. As a member of ASEAN, Timor-Leste can also become a stronger link between Australia and Southeast Asia,” he stressed.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão, the Government continues to work to diversify the national economy and reduce dependence on oil and gas. The tourism, agriculture and renewable energy sectors are priorities for economic development.
In addition, strengthening micro, small and medium enterprises is an important part of the Government’s efforts to promote entrepreneurship, local production and job creation. The Government wants to help enterprises develop their capacity, gain access to finance and technology, improve product quality and reach wider markets.
The Government also seeks to strengthen the family economy through cooperatives, which can help families and communities pool resources, share knowledge, improve production, access markets and increase income in agriculture, fisheries, tourism, handicrafts and other local activities.
Deputy PM Francisco Kalbuadi Lay expressed appreciation to the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Australia to Timor-Leste, Caitlin Wilson, for her dedicated work and contribution to strengthening relations between the two countries.
For her part, the Minister for Trade, Business and Asian Relations, Robyn Cahill, expressed her pleasure at taking part in the Northern Territory delegation that came to Timor-Leste to participate in the Darwin–Dili Business Forum, as part of the Invest Timor-Leste 2026 programme.
“This marks a significant step forward in the deep and special relationship between the Northern Territory and Timor-Leste. The signing of the cooperation agreement between the Timor-Leste–Australia Business Council and the Northern Territory Chamber of Commerce and Industry reflects the priorities we share, our shared ambition and, most importantly, ‘mutual respect’,” she said.
Robyn Cahill said that the present time brings new opportunities for the two regions, with the Northern Territory’s future linked to the Indo-Pacific and Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN.
“We are happy to walk together with you as we seek new opportunities for trade, investment and regional connectivity. This agreement establishes a new path for businesses on both sides,” she added.
The agreement will connect the Northern Territory’s capabilities with opportunities in Timor-Leste, and help Timorese enterprises access the Australian market and international markets through the Northern Territory. Through this cooperation, both parties hope to build business relationships that bring benefits for investment, partnerships and job creation.
The Ambassador of Australia to Timor-Leste, Caitlin Wilson, also expressed her pleasure at witnessing the signing of the two agreements, which she considers important for the development of economic and commercial relations between the two countries.
“This is a great opportunity to begin building this relationship, with many more opportunities in the economic and commercial area. As the relationship flourishes, investment in this area will reflect the strength of the partnership between us,” Caitlin Wilson stressed.
The signing of the agreement is another practical step to strengthen ties between the business communities on both sides of the Timor Sea. Australia wants to continue supporting Timor-Leste in building a business environment that allows partnerships to flourish and last over the long term.
The Gala Dinner was attended by Australian entrepreneurs, private sector representatives, the diplomatic corps, members of the Government and members of the National Parliament.
