President José Ramos-Horta has urged deeper bilateral cooperation with Beijing to boost trade, foreign investment, and national development.
Timor-Leste calls for a stronger economic partnership with China
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Timor-Leste is seeking to build a more robust and balanced economic partnership with China, according to statements made by President José Ramos-Horta during a speech marking China’s National Day in Dili.
According to a media report, the Timorese head of state described Beijing as a vital partner for the nation’s ongoing growth and emphasised the necessity for bilateral relations to evolve alongside Timor-Leste’s development.
He noted that in the first six months of 2026, imports supplied by China to Timor-Leste reached a total value of US$72 million, underscoring the expanding commercial ties between the two nations under their existing Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Addressing attendees in the capital, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate outlined a clear vision for an economic relationship with China that delivers mutual benefits. Ramos-Horta noted that Timor-Leste intends to boost its exports to Chinese markets, focusing specifically on coffee, agricultural goods, and fisheries products.
He reportedly highlighted that tariff benefits granted by China could offer a transformative pathway for local Timorese enterprises looking to expand their international reach.
Expanding the economic partnership with China
In addition to expanding trade, Timor-Leste is actively encouraging direct investment from Chinese firms to strengthen its economic partnership with China. Ramos-Horta welcomed pledged investments, pointing to a US$1 billion commitment made in 2025 by the Caizi Group.
This substantial capital injection is slated to support a broad array of economic and commercial development initiatives across Timor-Leste, covering sectors such as trade, housing, hospitality, industrial development, tourism, agriculture, and aquaculture.
Beyond commercial ties, the president praised ongoing bilateral cooperation across key developmental sectors, including education, vocational training, infrastructure, and defence and security. Commenting on China’s development journey, Ramos-Horta observed that while Timor-Leste does not intend to replicate China’s exact path, the nation’s rapid modernisation demonstrates the value of long-term vision and strategic planning.
[See more: Chinese construction groups secure contracts for Timor-Leste’s new highway]
Reaffirming diplomatic foundations, Ramos-Horta reiterated Timor-Leste’s strict adherence to the One China policy at the outset of his address.
He confirmed that Dili recognises the government of the People’s Republic of China as the sole legitimate government representing all of China, and acknowledges Taiwan as part of China. As Timor-Leste and China continue to deepen their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, cooperation within this economic partnership with China continues to broaden across multiple sectors.
