Timor-Leste Debuts as Co-Host at China-ASEAN Expo, Seeking Market Expansion

Timor-Leste is participating for the first time as a co-host of the 23rd China–ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO), taking place from September 17 to 21 in Nanning city, China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. The nation aims to showcase its key products and seek opportunities to expand markets and attract investment through this international exhibition. According to the Timor-Leste Government, Minister of Trade and Industry Filipus Nino Pereira led the country’s delegation to the opening ceremony of CAEXPO on September 17 and officially opened the Timor-Leste Pavilion on September 18. This marks the first time Timor-Leste has participated in CAEXPO as ASEAN’s 11th member and also the first time it has served as a co-organiser of the event. Pereira stated that Timor-Leste’s participation aims to showcase domestic products, particularly those already exported to the Chinese market. The Timor-Leste Pavilion is displaying a range of products, including organic coffee, vanilla, cinnamon, wooden products, handicrafts, and tais textiles. Coffee is among the country’s key products, with several businesses participating, including Kafe Atsabe, Hey Day Coffee, Suhurama, Similie, and Kopi Avo Siak. This year’s CAEXPO brings together more than 3,400 businesses from 73 countries and regions, with over 50 economic and trade activities. Under the theme “CAFTA 3.0 Opportunities, Better Lives”, the expo focuses on areas including the digital economy, green economy, low-carbon development, and artificial intelligence. Timor-Leste’s first participation in CAEXPO comes as the country has recently become an ASEAN member, providing it with additional opportunities to connect with regional markets and trading partners. This year’s event also marks the first time all 11 ASEAN member states have participated in CAEXPO. The Timor-Leste Government believes CAEXPO will enable domestic businesses to promote their products, build partner networks, and gain wider access to the Chinese and ASEAN markets. It is also seen as a step towards leveraging regional economic integration following Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN.