On May 21st, 2026, Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão welcomed Canada’s non-resident ambassador to Timor-Leste, Jess Dutton, accompanied by a Canadian business delegation, as part of a visit to deepen bilateral economic relations and identify investment opportunities in sectors strategic to Timor-Leste’s development. 
During the meeting, the Canadian Ambassador informed the Prime Minister of Canada’s intention to provide US$15 million in concessional financing for a solar photovoltaic project in Timor-Leste to generate electricity using solar panels.
“At this meeting, we discussed Canada’s US$15 million investment in the solar photovoltaic project,” Jess Dutton said.
The Prime Minister expressed a positive view of the Canadian initiative and of the presence of companies interested in exploring new investment opportunities in areas aligned with the Government’s priorities.
The business delegation comprised representatives from the Canada-ASEAN Business Council, the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, Export Development Canada, the National Bank of Canada, and BlackBerry Government Solutions. According to Jess Dutton, Timor-Leste’s full membership of ASEAN has sparked growing interest among Canadian companies in pursuing business opportunities in the country.
Discussions between the parties covered areas including renewable energy, oil and gas, mining, agriculture, tourism, the maritime economy, agricultural technology, food security, infrastructure, information and communication technologies, education, and diplomatic training. They also explored possibilities for technical assistance to support Timor-Leste’s integration into ASEAN and preparations for Timor-Leste’s presidency of the regional organisation in 2029.
During his visit to Timor-Leste, Ambassador Jess Dutton also met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito dos Santos Freitas; the Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Francisco da Costa Monteiro; the Minister of Trade and Industry, Filipus Nino Pereira; the Governor of the Central Bank of Timor-Leste, Hélder Lopes; the Vice Minister for ASEAN Affairs, Milena Rangel; and representatives of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Timor-Leste.
During the meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, the two sides discussed opportunities to deepen trade ties and expand economic cooperation between the two countries, including technical assistance to support Timor-Leste’s integration into ASEAN and preparations for Timor-Leste’s 2029 chairmanship of the regional organisation.
The meeting with the Minister of Trade and Industry focused on opportunities for cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure development, energy, agriculture, agribusiness, and the digital economy, in line with the national policy on economic diversification and the attraction of foreign investment.
During the meeting with the Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, ongoing developments across the oil, gas, and minerals sectors were discussed, including the Greater Sunrise and Bayu-Undan projects, downstream industrialisation, and mineral exploration. Representatives from the public corporations TIMOR GAP and Murak Rai Timor also participated, offering their perspectives on industrial development and national economic diversification.
During meetings in Dili, the Canadian delegation highlighted the growing interest among Canadian companies in Timor-Leste, particularly following the country’s full accession to ASEAN. The Canada-ASEAN Business Council (CABC), a Canadian business organisation accredited to ASEAN, expressed interest in deepening economic engagement with Timor-Leste and exploring new opportunities for investment and cooperation.
The visit also included meetings with the President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta, to strengthen bilateral relations and promote private investment and strategic partnerships aligned with national sustainable development goals.
As part of the Canadian delegation’s visit, the Media Fellowship 2026 programme—sponsored by the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada—was also announced. The programme is designed to support journalists in producing content on topics related to the Asia-Pacific region and relations with Canada.
Diplomatic relations between Timor-Leste and Canada were established in May 2002, following the restoration of independence. Over the past two decades, bilateral cooperation has covered development, security, good governance, education, and training. Between 1999 and 2010, Canada participated in United Nations missions in Timor-Leste, contributing to international efforts to promote national stability and peace.