Northern Territory and Timor-Leste business bodies formalise cooperation agreement in Díli

DÍLI, 29 October 2026 (TATOLI) – Northern Territory and Timorese businesses have signed a cooperation agreement to strengthen trade and investment ties by establishing points of contact in Díli and Darwin. The partnership aims to make it easier for businesses from both sides to identify commercial opportunities, establish partnerships and connect with public and private sector representatives. The agreement was signed on Wednesday by Northern Territory Chamber of Commerce (NT Chamber) President Natalie Bell and Timor-Leste–Australia Business Council (TL-ABC) President Sarah Green during the Invest Timor-Leste 2026 gala dinner in Díli.

The event brought together about 350 guests, Timor-Leste’s Prime Minister, Xanana Gusmão, the Vice Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs and Minister of Tourism and Environment, Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, and the Australian Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Caitlin Wilson. The Hon Robyn Cahill OAM MLA, Northern Territory Minister for Trade, Business and Asian Relations, addressed guests following the signing. Under the agreement, the two organisations will support business delegations and trade missions, jointly organise events and business meetings, share market intelligence and investment opportunities, and coordinate positions on issues affecting trade relations between the two economies. They will also help visiting business representatives connect with relevant companies and public and private sector stakeholders whenever their members travel to Dili or Darwin. The agreement commits the two organisations to practical cooperation: A first point of reference for each other’s members on arrival in Darwin or Dili, with an introductory meeting and introductions to industry and government contacts. Support for business…