Newly appointed Minister for Trade, Business and Asian Relations Robyn Cahill says the Territory was always known as Australia’s Gateway to Asia.

She says the decision to drop the portfolio “defied logic”.

“The fastest-growing economies in the world are in Asia. Given our proximity to Asia, looking to our North as we work to rebuild our economy is simply common sense.”

She says reinstating the portfolio sends a “clear and positive message” to our Asian neighbours – “we are open for business and we want to work with you”.

Ms Cahill visited East Timor in November and met government officials, business owners and community leaders.

“The welcome I received across all levels was overwhelmingly positive.

“From the Deputy Prime Minister, who was gracious with his time and support for building the relationship with the Territory, to local business owners and the incredible group of Charles Darwin University alumni, who shared the opportunities their experience studying at CDU had presented them both personally and in their careers, there was not a person I met on the trip who did not express their enthusiasm for growing the relationship between the Territory and Timor Leste.”

Ms Cahill says as well as the opportunities to support East Timor in its economic development, particularly in the natural gas industry, there are also incredible opportunities for skills exchanges and work opportunities.

A second delegation is planned for later in 2025.

Ms Cahill’s visit to Indonesia in February this year was similarly productive.

As well as speaking at the Indonesian Economic Summit in Jakarta, she progressed the MoU between the Indonesian Government and the NT Government regarding critical minerals and strategic supply chain, held talks with the Indonesian Vice Foreign Minister, had one-on-one meetings with multiple Indonesian business owners, was the guest speaker at a business roundtable hosted by the Indonesian Australian Business Council, and met the Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Rod Brazier, and the Consul General to Bali, Jo Stevens

“A critical part of my discussions with government officials and potential investors was being able to reassure them that reducing red tape and removing duplication of approvals processes was a priority for our government.”

Ms Cahill says it became clear during her visit that despite differences, such as the disparity in population – 245,000 versus 280 million – the Territory and Indonesia have a lot in common.

“We are both working to grow our economies and are in similar positions where we have achieved great success through our expertise in getting resources out of the ground and exporting those resources.

“The opportunities now to be explored are in diversification through downstreaming and the synergy between the Territory and Indonesia in this space is truly exciting.

“There is no doubt we have much to offer Indonesia just as they have much to offer us.”

The Minister plans to visit Singapore to explore opportunities in the digital economy; Japan, where she will showcase the Territory as an investment destination at the Osaka World Expo; and Papua New Guinea, Vietnam, India, China and Taiwan. TQ