"Indonesia is always open to dialogue and collaboration with Timor-Leste. Indonesia shares Timor-Leste's aspirations and determination, including in improving trade," Roro noted in a statement in Jakarta on Saturday.
During a meeting with Timor-Leste's Minister of Trade and Industry, Filipus Nino Pereira, in Jakarta on Friday, July 11, Roro welcomed the cooperation between the two countries across various trade sectors, including the construction of marble factories and coffee shops.
She noted that this cooperation holds vast potential, especially since Indonesia has a rich variety of coffee, which can be further promoted in the Timor-Leste market.
Roro also reaffirmed Indonesia's support for Timor-Leste's bid to join 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 remarked.
Meanwhile, Timor-Leste's Minister of Trade and Industry, Filipus Nino Pereira, stated that Timor-Leste highly values the relationship between both nations.
Pereira affirmed that Timor-Leste and Indonesia enjoy harmonious relations, spanning political, economic, socio-cultural, and people-to-people ties.
"This relationship will certainly continue to be fostered through ongoing friendly relations," Filipus stated.
The total trade value between Indonesia and Timor-Leste in 2024 is projected to reach US$391.34 million, with an average annual growth trend of 15.56 percent.
From January to April 2025, Indonesia's exports to Timor-Leste reached US$117.08 million, a 11 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
Indonesia's main exports to Timor-Leste include motor vehicles, palm oil, processed foods, cement, pharmaceutical products, and daily consumer goods. Several strategic commodities also recorded significant growth, such as light commercial vehicles, wheat flour, dairy products, and personal care products.
Translator: Arie Novarina
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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