Timor-Leste is participating as a co-organiser in the 23rd China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) for the first time, following its accession to the regional organisation. The event took place in Nanning, China, from 17 to 21 September 2026.

Filipus Nino Pereira, Minister of Trade and Industry, inaugurated the National Pavilion, which showcases coffee, traditional tais textiles and sandalwood products. Timor-Leste’s participation aims to promote national production, facilitate access to new markets and establish contacts with business partners and investors from China and ASEAN countries.

At the event, the Minister highlighted opportunities to promote national products, establish new trade and investment ties and deepen the integration of Timor-Leste’s economy into the regional market.

This year’s edition focuses on opportunities arising from the deepening of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area, particularly in trade, investment, artificial intelligence, the digital economy and regional supply chains.

According to the Government of Timor-Leste, the exhibition brings together around 2,200 Chinese companies and nearly 1,000 companies from ASEAN countries, with around 50 related economic and trade activities planned.

One of the new features is the use of artificial intelligence to facilitate business matchmaking. Before the opening, the system identified around 8,000 potential business connections based on companies’ respective sectors of activity and commercial needs.

(Source: Government of Timor-Leste, 18 September)