Timor-Leste Hosts Regional Forum on Youth Entrepreneurship and Economic Cooperation
On May 26, 2026, Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão attended the Asia-Pacific Business and Young Entrepreneurs Forum at Timor Plaza in Dili, organised by the Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CACCI), the Asia-Pacific Young Entrepreneurs Group (YEGAP), and the National Association of Young Entrepreneurs of Timor-Leste (ANJET – acronym in Portuguese). The event brought together Timorese businesspeople, regional business leaders, development partners, and representatives of the diplomatic corps to discuss opportunities for economic cooperation and to promote youth entrepreneurship. 
In his remarks, the Head of Government stated that “the sustainable future of our nation depends on building a strong and resilient economy, creating jobs, and giving our young people the opportunity to build their lives in their own country.” He added, “I call on young Timorese entrepreneurs to take risks, start businesses, and support national development. Your success will be our nation’s success.”
The Prime Minister highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen the private sector and create conditions for national economic growth, citing Timor-Leste’s accession to the World Trade Organisation, the establishment of the National Development Bank, and full integration into ASEAN.
Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão also emphasised that “joining ASEAN will provide an opportunity to connect our companies, our entrepreneurs, and our young people with one of the most dynamic regions in the world,” and noted that Timor-Leste has offered to host the ASEAN Summit in 2029.
During the forum, a memorandum of understanding was signed between YEGAP and ANJET to strengthen regional cooperation and expand access for young East Timorese entrepreneurs to international business networks.
The Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Timor-Leste (CCI-TL), Jorge Serrano, stated that “investing in young entrepreneurs is not just about supporting individual businesses; it is about building the long-term foundation for a resilient, diversified, and prosperous economy.” He also advocated policies to facilitate young people’s access to training, mentoring, international networks, and financing.
ANJET President, Antoninho Junior Ximenes Guterres, stated that the Prime Minister’s presence served as an additional incentive for young national entrepreneurs to continue developing their business projects.
The forum also featured presentations from representatives of the region’s private sector and international partners on investment, regional integration, innovation, and economic cooperation across the Asia-Pacific region.
