During this exclusive interview, The Energy Circle by IN-VR spoke with Arcanjo da Silva, Executive Director at TradeInvest Timor-Leste, about the nation’s evolving investment landscape: from new fiscal incentives and digital reforms to strategies for diversification and sustainable growth across key sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and renewable energy.
Q1. What is TradeInvest’s role in supporting foreign direct investment into extractives?
A:TradeInvest plays a facilitation and promotion role, ensuring that potential investors in extractives understand the legal, fiscal, and regulatory environment, including the Private Investment Law. While the oil and gas sector remains an important part of our economy, TradeInvest works closely with relevant ministries and authorities to ensure that investment proposals align with national priorities, environmental standards, and community benefits. Our role is to provide guidance, streamline processes, and connect investors with the right institutions.
Q2. What incentives or reforms should investors know about?
A:Under the Private Investment Law, Timor-Leste offers a range of incentives, including customs duty exemptions, tax benefits, and access to land lease agreements, depending on the sector and scale of investment. Reforms are also underway to improve the business climate—simplifying licensing procedures, strengthening transparency, and enhancing dispute resolution mechanisms. These reforms reflect our commitment to creating a predictable, investor-friendly environment while safeguarding national interests.
Q3. How does this Forum help position Timor-Leste on the global investment map?
A: Participation in international forums is critical for raising awareness about Timor-Leste as an emerging investment destination. Such platforms allow us to share our reform progress, highlight priority sectors, and build partnerships. They also provide an opportunity for us to present Timor-Leste not only as a resource-rich nation but also as a gateway to ASEAN and the wider Asia-Pacific region, with a young population and untapped opportunities.
Q4. What sectors (beyond oil/gas) are you targeting for diversified investment?
A: Diversification is at the core of our economic vision. Beyond oil and gas, TradeInvest is promoting investment in:
• Agriculture and agribusiness (coffee, spices, livestock, fisheries)
• Tourism (eco-tourism, cultural tourism)
• Renewable energy (solar, wind, hydro)
• Light manufacturing and processing industries
• Digital economy and ICT services
These sectors are prioritized for their potential to create jobs, generate exports, and foster sustainable growth.
Q5. How is TradeInvest working with ministries and authorities to ensure a seamless investor journey?
A: TradeInvest serves as the main gateway for investors, coordinating across ministries to reduce bureaucratic hurdles. We provide a one-stop service, assisting with registration, approvals, and licensing, while maintaining open communication channels with sectoral ministries. This coordination helps ensure that investors experience a clear, transparent, and efficient process from entry to operation.
Q6. What would be your call to action for potential investors looking at the region?
A: Our call is simple: come early, grow with us, and invest sustainably. Timor-Leste offers first-mover advantages in a frontier market with access to both domestic and regional opportunities. We invite investors who are committed to long-term partnerships, knowledge transfer, and creating shared value with our communities.
Q7. How is TradeInvest leveraging digital platforms or new technologies to engage with prospective investors?
A: We are increasingly using digital platforms to connect with global investors—through our official website and targeted forums. TradeInvest is also working to digitize parts of the investment registration process, making it easier for investors to access information and apply remotely. Social media and virtual engagement tools allow us to maintain visibility and transparency in a fast-changing global environment.
Q8. What strategies is TradeInvest using to promote sustainable and responsible investment practices in Timor-Leste?
A: Sustainability is embedded in our investment promotion strategy. TradeInvest encourages projects that align with the national development priorities. We emphasize environmental and social safeguards, community participation, and corporate social responsibility. By doing so, we ensure that investments not only generate economic returns but also contribute to long-term resilience and inclusive development.
Q9. How does TradeInvest measure the long-term impact of foreign investments on local communities and the broader economy?
A: Impact measurement is guided by both the Private Investment Law and national development plans. We monitor foreign investment contributions in terms of its implementation and job creation. Through regular reporting and engagement with investors, we ensure that projects deliver value to local communities while strengthening the national economy.
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