With Timor Leste set to host the ASEAN Summit in 2029, the government may be in talks with Bali about supporting the organisation of regional events. Photo Credit: AdobeStock/MK3 Design
Bali and Timor-Leste are deepening economic cooperation in a move that could generate new business events in Bali and create cross-border opportunities for the island’s MICE sector, according to the Bali Convention and Exhibition Bureau (BaliCEB).
The partnership spans tourism, agriculture, fisheries, trade and investment. For event organisers, those sectors signal opportunities for government forums, investment meetings, business matching, technical exchanges and incentive travel.
The push was outlined at the Bali–Timor-Leste Business Forum this month, attended by government representatives, business leaders and entrepreneurs attended.
ASEAN Summit collaboration
With Timor-Leste scheduled to chair ASEAN in 2029 and host the ASEAN Summit, the Timor-Leste Government has invited Bali to explore cooperation in supporting the organisation of those regional events, shared BaliCEB advisory board member I Gusti Agung Ngurah Rai Suryawijaya.
That prospect gives Bali’s events sector a route into venue operations, destination management, hospitality, logistics and event delivery beyond the island, according to BaliCEB. It also positions Bali as a support base for regional meetings involving governments and businesses across Southeast Asia.
Governor Wayan Koster said the two sides should pursue a mutually beneficial relationship. “Going forward, I hope Bali and Timor-Leste can progress together, support one another and work together to achieve greater development,” he said while welcoming the Timor-Leste delegation at Jaya Sabha, the governor’s official residence.
Agenda for new events
Timor-Leste’s Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry, Marcos da Cruz, identified three priorities: a Green Economy centred on agriculture; a Blue Economy based on marine and fisheries resources; and a Gold Economy focused on entrepreneurship and private-sector cooperation.
“These themes provide potential content for international conferences, investment forums, business-matching programmes, study visits, corporate incentives and knowledge-sharing events,” BaliCEB said in a statement.
Bali recorded about 4.6 million international arrivals by 30 September 2026, including around 30,000 visitors from Timor-Leste.