Timor-Leste e Nusa Tenggara Timur strengthen Economic Cooperation and Border Development

On Jully 10^th, the Vice Prime Minister, Minister Coordinator for Social Affairs and Minister of Rural Development and Community Housing, Mariano Assanami Sabino, made a working visit to Kupang, where he met with the Government of the Indonesian province of Sonda Oriental (Nusa Tenggara Timur-NTT), Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena, with the aim of deepening economic cooperation between Timor-Leste and this province. 

The meeting, which took place in the Provincial Government’s meeting room, focused on strengthening cooperation in the agriculture, livestock, trade and industry sectors, with particular emphasis on the economic development of border areas.   The creation of a join technical team was discussed, which will involve representatives of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as well as the relevant ministries of the two countries, to outline concrete cooperation actions. 

"We hope that through this initial step we can capitalize on the opportunities for our economic development It is evident that this cooperation needs to be maintained, well-coordinated and strongly integrated through political adjustments that facilitate community mobilization and economic activities, especially in border areas," said Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena. 

Mariano Assanami Sabino emphasized the strategic potential of deepening economic relations between the two nations on the island of Timor, stressing that this potential could be boosted by supporting mobility in border areas, strengthening cooperation in tourism and cultural events, as well as developing agriculture, fisheries and activities linked to maritime affairs, which are considered strategic points for boosting exports. END