Osaka, Japan, 26 September 2025
His Excellency Francisco da Costa Monteiro, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, led a high-level Timor-Leste delegation to the Osaka Business Forum, held in the framework of Expo 2025. The Forum brought together senior officials, parliamentarians, institutional leaders, and representatives of the Japanese and Timorese private sectors to strengthen cooperation and explore opportunities in energy, mining, and investment.
The Minister was accompanied by Members of Parliament Mrs. Cedelizia Faria dos Santos, President of Committee C, and Mr. Ricardo Baptista, President of Committee D, as well as heads of the ANP, ANM, TIMOR GAP, MRT, and IGTL. Also present were representatives of TradeInvest and SERVE, alongside Japanese counterparts including the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).
In his keynote address, Minister Monteiro outlined the Government’s priorities in petroleum and mineral resources and invited Japanese companies to join Timor-Leste in developing the downstream infrastructure to accommodate the Greater Sunrise development, Bayu-Undan redevelopment, and other future opportunities. His Excellency emphasized the role of the private sector, with companies such as SundaGas and Estrela Resources, presenting their activities and showcasing the strong potential of doing business in Timor-Leste.
Alongside the Forum, the Minister and delegation also toured several national pavilions at Expo 2025, including a visit to the Timor-Leste’s pavilion, ASEAN, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, and Australia.
Minister Monteiro closed by reaffirming Timor-Leste’s openness to investors: “Timor-Leste has proven resources and clear opportunities. But beyond geology, we need partners who bring technology, financing, and long-term commitment. Japan has already shown this spirit, and I warmly invite you to join us, invest with us, and grow with us.”
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