Indonesia Reaffirms Commitment to Strengthening Trade Ties with Timor-Leste

Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Deputy Minister of Trade of Indonesia, Dyah Roro Esti, has underscored the importance of the growing bilateral relationship between Indonesia and Timor-Leste, particularly in the area of trade cooperation. Her remarks were made during a meeting with Timor-Leste’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Filipus Nino Pereira, held in Jakarta on Friday, July 11.

“Indonesia is always open to dialogue and collaboration with Timor-Leste. We share Timor-Leste’s aspirations and determination, including in improving trade relations,” Deputy Minister Roro said in an official statement on Saturday.

Roro welcomed the expanding cooperation between the two nations, which spans various sectors including the development of marble factories and the establishment of coffee shops. She noted that Indonesia’s diverse and high-quality coffee products present a valuable opportunity for promotion in the Timor-Leste market.

The Deputy Minister also reiterated Indonesia’s full support for Timor-Leste’s accession to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
“We would like to reaffirm Indonesia’s strong commitment to supporting Timor-Leste’s accession as the 11th ASEAN member state. Indonesia is currently preparing a series of capacity-building programs for Timor-Leste for the 2025–2026 period,” she affirmed.

In response, Minister Pereira expressed Timor-Leste’s deep appreciation for the close and cooperative relationship with Indonesia.
“Timor-Leste and Indonesia enjoy harmonious relations across the political, economic, socio-cultural, and people-to-people spheres. This relationship will certainly continue to be fostered through ongoing friendly ties,” he stated.

The trade relationship between the two countries has shown promising growth. In 2024, total trade is projected to reach US$391.34 million, with an average annual growth rate of 15.56 percent. From January to April 2025, Indonesia’s exports to Timor-Leste reached US$117.08 million, marking an 11 percent increase compared to the same period last year.

Indonesia’s key exports to Timor-Leste include motor vehicles, palm oil, processed foods, cement, pharmaceutical products, and daily consumer goods. Notably, several strategic commodities such as light commercial vehicles, wheat flour, dairy products, and personal care items have also recorded significant growth.

The continued strengthening of economic and trade ties is expected to contribute to the broader regional integration and mutual prosperity of both nations.