Timor-Leste is strengthening its presence and cooperation within the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation framework between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries (Forum Macau) by participating in various activities held in Macau during October 2024. This participation is part of Timor-Leste’s ongoing effort to boost its economic, cultural and trade relations with China and Portuguese-speaking countries, taking advantage of the strategic platform offered by Forum Macau. 

In late September 2024, the twinning agreement between Dili and Macau was signed in the presence of the Minister of State Administration, Tomás do Rosário Cabral and the Chief Executive of the Macau Special Administrative Region (Macau SAR). This agreement marks an important step in the rapprochement between Timor-Leste and Macau, promoting a more profound and diversified exchange between the two regions.

Between October 10^th and 12^th, Timor-Leste was represented at the 1st Lusophone Arbitration Congress, which brought together experts and participants from various countries to promote the exchange of legal cultures and strengthen Macau’s role as an arbitration centre. Approximately 25 per cent of the participants came from Portuguese-speaking countries, underlining the importance of this meeting for the Lusophone community.

Timor-Leste will also attend the Colloquium on Cooperation in Traditional Chinese Medicine, held between October 14^th and 27^th, 2024. This event, part of the Forum Macau programme of activities, aims to promote cooperation in human resources and education between Portuguese-speaking countries. 

Another highlight of Timor-Leste’s participation will be the 29th Macau International Fair (MIF), taking place from October 15^th to 19^th, where the country, through TradeInvest Timor-Leste, will promote its investment opportunities, strengthening commercial and economic ties with Chinese and Portuguese-speaking companies.

From October 18^th to 22^nd, Timor-Leste will be in the spotlight at the 16th Cultural Week of China and Portuguese-speaking Countries, which will be held at the Fisherman’s Dock. The country will be represented by renowned artists such as painter Maria Madeira, musical band Nabilan and craftsman Eliseu da Costa. The event will celebrate the cultural diversity and rich heritage shared between China and Portuguese-speaking countries, promoting greater understanding and cultural dialogue.  

From October 25^th, Timor-Leste will participate in the Lusophony Festival, with the Lezi-val dance group representing Timorese culture on the main stage. This festival, which will feature more than 700 artists, promises to be one of the most significant cultural events of the Lusophone community in Macau.

Lastly, from October 29^th to November 1^st, inspectors from the Central Bank of Timor-Leste will participate in the Annual Insurance Meeting of Portuguese-speaking Countries, organised by the Monetary Authority of Macau, strengthening the exchange of experiences and good practices in the insurance sector.

With these initiatives, Timor-Leste reaffirms its commitment to Sino-Lusophone cooperation. It uses Macau as a strategic connection point to foster economic, commercial and cultural exchanges with Portuguese-speaking countries and China.