DILI, 18 June 2026 - The Minister of Commerce and Industry, H.E. Mr. Nino Pereira, held a bilateral meeting today with the Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to Timor-Leste, H.E. Mr. Pham Bim Dam, aimed at further strengthening economic cooperation and institutional partnerships between the two countries.

During the meeting, both sides reflected on the recent high-level official visit of Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão to Vietnam, which was recognized as one of the most successful diplomatic missions undertaken by Timor-Leste’s leadership. Ambassador Pham Bim Dam emphasized that the four-day program provided the Timorese delegation with the opportunity not only to engage in substantive discussions with Vietnam’s senior leaders but also to gain first-hand insight into the country’s dynamic economic environment and entrepreneurial culture, thereby establishing a solid foundation for future collaboration.

Ambassador Pham Bim Dam also congratulated Timor-Leste on its accession to ASEAN and the World Trade Organization (WTO), noting that these milestones bring both significant opportunities and important responsibilities. He expressed Vietnam’s readiness to share its experience in developing strategies to maximize the benefits of international economic integration, particularly in the areas of trade facilitation, industrial development, and the implementation of international commitments and standards. The Ambassador further proposed practical avenues for cooperation through the establishment of working groups, exchange of technical expertise, and joint initiatives aimed at enhancing the flow of goods and services between the two nations. 

Minister Nino Pereira welcomed Vietnam’s support and reaffirmed Timor-Leste’s commitment to economic diversification, the strengthening of private sector participation, and learning from Vietnam’s successful transformation into a regional   manufacturing and industrial hub. He highlighted entrepreneurship, institutional reform, and sustainable development as essential pillars for driving long-term economic growth and competitiveness in Timor-Leste.

Both parties agreed on the importance of preparing concrete proposals and relevant documentation in advance of the upcoming Joint Government Committee Meeting, ensuring that bilateral commitments are translated into tangible and results-oriented cooperation. Discussions also covered opportunities for both Government-to-Government (G2G) and Business-to-Business (B2B) collaboration, with particular emphasis on organizing promotional events andengaging chambers of commerce to facilitate investment and trade opportunities.

The meeting reaffirmed the enduring friendship and mutual trust between Timor-Leste and Vietnam. Both sides expressed their commitment to deepening cooperation and working together as strategic partners in fostering a diversified, resilient, and forward-looking economy for the benefit of both nations.

This version adopts a more diplomatic, institutional, and policy oriented tone suitable for a government website, ministry publication, or official press release.