On August 28th, 2025, Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão inaugurated the Dili International Trade Expo 2025, held at the Dili Convention Centre (CCD), emphasizing that this event represents ‘a way of showing the world that Timor-Leste is open for businesses. In his speech, the Head of Government stressed that this is the first international exhibition organized by the Ministry of Trade and Industry, with the aim of establishing the country as an active partner in global trade. ‘This Expo is proof of the incredible creativity and determination of our people. It is also a space for national and international companies to meet, explore business opportunities and build new investment networks,’ said Xanana Gusmão. 
The Prime Minister also pointed out that, currently, with two-thirds of the population under the age of 35, it is necessary to create jobs, reduce poverty and offer young people the opportunity to build and improve their lives in our country”. He added that “every Timorese product that replaces an import will strengthen Timor-Leste’s independence. Every product found on the foreign market generates income for families and gives real meaning to Timor-Leste’s sovereignty.’
The exhibition brings together Timorese producers presenting everything from award-winning coffee, spirits, chocolate and ceramics to traditional handicrafts and textiles, highlighting the link between innovation, cultural identity and economic competitiveness.
At the opening session, Minister of Trade and Industry Nino Pereira welcomed participants and praised the historic significance of the initiative. ‘Today we are making history. We are opening our doors to the world to reach out and partner in strengthening Timor-Leste’s private sector,’ he said, adding that the Expo ‘aims to connect Timorese producers to the global market and attract international investment to the country’s potential.’
On the event, the President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta, delivered a video message in which he emphasized: ‘For the first time since independence, we are launching a major international trade exhibition to showcase our nation’s achievements and potential. This event is a platform to celebrate what we have to offer, identify opportunities for growth and foster valuable connections.’
On the sidelines of the Expo, bilateral meetings have been held with foreign delegations. Among these, meetings with representatives from the Kingdom of Cambodia, Brunei Darussalam, Macao and Indonesia stand out. Minister Nino Pereira emphasized, at a press conference, the importance of these initiatives in strengthening strategic partnerships, particularly in the context of Timor-Leste’s preparations for full membership of ASEAN in October.
The aim of the Dili International Trade Expo 2025 is to bring together countries, small and medium-sized enterprises, non-governmental organizations and government entities to share successes, showcase innovations in the areas of culture and technology, and promote collaboration between different sectors. The event program includes multiple activities, including business and product promotion, thematic debates, match-making business rounds, signing of memoranda of understanding (MoU) between companies (B2B), art and culture exhibitions, musical performances by national artists, as well as presentations by universities and companies on research and innovation. There will also be sessions dedicated to business and investment opportunities, led by Government agencies and the Timor-Leste Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI-TL), as well as a presentation on credit lines and financing available from BNCTL.
The exhibition features themed pavilions, networking spaces and cultural experiences designed to encourage Timor-Leste’s connection to the global economy. Given that the country is already a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and is in the process of joining ASEAN, this event is the first of its kind in Timor-Leste with a focus on the international market. The Expo is therefore an opportunity for both national and international traders, manufacturers and industrialists to collaborate and invest in the country. The “make and brand it” concept aims to enhance the visibility of ‘Made in Timor-Leste’ products in ASEAN and global markets, consolidating the image of a country with its own identity, open to innovation and investment.
The Dili International Trade Expo 2025 (DITE-2025) organized by the Ministry of Trade and Industry in coordination with the Office of the Minister Coordinator for Economic Affairs, the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, and the Timor-Leste Chamber of Commerce and Industry, will take place from August 28th to September 1st. The event brings together national and international government entities, companies, non-governmental organizations and public and private institutions, promoting innovation, cross-sector cooperation and the enhancement of the ‘Made in Timor-Leste’ brand in ASEAN and international markets.