During the recent “Partnering for a Greener Future” mission, significant advancements in the green economy and sustainable mining sectors were highlighted at the second Timor-Leste Australia Economic and Business Conference (TLAUCON2025), held from August 5 to 6 in Dili, Timor-Leste. The event marked a notable moment for over 100 Australian businesses, showcasing the strengthening economic relationship between Australia and Timor-Leste.
Key Participants and Objectives
Australia’s Special Envoy for Southeast Asia, Mr. Nicholas Moore AO, led the delegation alongside Shane Walden, Australia’s Business Champion to Timor-Leste and CEO of ALN Container Line, as well as Stephen Skulley, Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner at Austrade. This mission was organized by the Australian Embassy in Timor-Leste and the Government of Timor-Leste, underlining the collaborative spirit of both nations.
A total of 11 Australian businesses participated, focusing on sectors such as renewable energy, mining equipment technology and services (METS), infrastructure, marine services, and broader green economy initiatives. The delegates engaged in targeted business-matching events, connecting with over 45 local businesses to explore potential collaborations.
Future Opportunities in Timor-Leste
At the TLAUCON2025 Gala Dinner, H.E. José Ramos-Horta, President of Timor-Leste, emphasized the country’s expanding pipeline of early-stage minerals exploration projects. These developments present significant opportunities for Australian METS companies as Timor-Leste aims to achieve upper-middle-income status by 2030, creating a stable and attractive investment environment.
Among the attendees was Luke Jackson, Export Manager with Pacific Islands International, who remarked on the caliber of connections made during the mission. “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,” he stated, reflecting on the potential for new partnerships and the strengthening of existing customer relationships.
Mr. Skulley noted the increasing momentum behind the economic partnership between Australia and Timor-Leste, stating, “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.”
During the gala dinner, Mr. Moore addressed more than 300 delegates, highlighting the progress made towards the recommendations outlined in “Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040.” He affirmed that the Australian Government has acted on many recommendations and expressed ambition for further progress, stating, “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.”
Additionally, the mission included four Indigenous-owned businesses capable of delivering climate-resilient infrastructure, sustainable mining, and renewable energy solutions in collaboration with local Timor-Leste enterprises. This participation showcased the vital role that Australia’s First Nations industry leaders play in forging meaningful trade and investment relationships in Southeast Asia.
Melanie Harris, Head of Indigenous Engagement and Export at Austrade, commented on the expertise of Indigenous businesses, highlighting their ability to thrive in challenging environments while developing innovative solutions. “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,” she added. The capacity of these Indigenous businesses to operate across diverse cultural groups offers a distinct competitive advantage in this evolving market.
The outcomes of the TLAUCON2025 mission reflect a commitment to sustainable growth and economic collaboration between Australia and Timor-Leste, with both nations poised to benefit from emerging opportunities in the green economy and beyond.
