The Minister of Trade and Industry, Nino Pereira, met with the Minister of Industry of the Republic of Indonesia, Agus Gumiwang, on 30 July 2024 in Jakarta, Indonesia, to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two Ministries. The meeting took place in a cordial atmosphere and focussed on the development of policies for industrial parks and the promotion of agro-industry in Timor-Leste. 

During the meeting, Minister Agus Gumiwang reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to continuing existing cooperation, emphasising the importance of developing technical capacities. The Indonesian Minister also announced measures to strengthen this collaboration, which include offering scholarships and internships to officials from the Timorese Ministry of Trade and Industry, with the aim of boosting training and capacity building in the industrial area. They also pledged to support the growth of micro, small and medium-sized industrial companies as part of the region’s economic development.

The two ministers agreed to continue the technical and strategic work, delegating responsibility to the Directors General of both ministries to continue with technical meetings to define concrete action plans. The meeting was also attended by the RDTL Embassy Advisor, Domingos Sávio, and the Timor-Leste Commercial Attaché in Jakarta, Apolo J. Franca.