From May 25 to 28 2026, a YEGAP delegation led by CACCI President Peter McMullin AM and YEGAP Chair Hiromi Aoki visited Dili, Timor-Leste to strengthen ties with the country's emerging entrepreneurial community and explore new opportunities for regional collaboration.

Organized in partnership with the Young Entrepreneurs Association of Timor-Leste (ANJET), the visit brought together young entrepreneurs, business leaders, and institutional partners for several days of dialogue, networking, and collaboration. The centerpiece of the program was the Asia-Pacific Business Forum held at Timor Plaza, where YEGAP and ANJET signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to promote greater cooperation, knowledge-sharing, and opportunities for young entrepreneurs throughout the region.

The forum was attended by Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, who emphasized the importance of entrepreneurship in Timor-Leste's future development and encouraged stronger collaboration between Timorese entrepreneurs and regional partners. He highlighted the value of organizations such as CACCI, YEGAP, and ANJET in creating connections, opening doors, and helping young entrepreneurs access ideas, confidence, and partnerships that can drive economic growth.

The delegation also met with leaders from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Timor-Leste (CCI-TL), a Primary Member of CACCI. There, they learned more about Timor-Leste's growing private sector and entrepreneurial ecosystem. Discussions focused on how stronger regional networks can help young entrepreneurs access new markets, partnerships, and ideas.

One of the highlights of the visit was the Good Business Gathering held on May 26 at Sky Bar, Timor Plaza. Hosted by the Good Business Network in partnership with YEGAP, ANJET, and CCI-TL, the event brought together entrepreneurs, business leaders, development partners, and government representatives for an evening of networking and conversation under the theme "Do Good, Make Money."

The gathering featured remarks by Peter McMullin AM and H.E. José Ramos-Horta, President of Timor-Leste, as well as inspiring stories from women entrepreneurs who shared their journeys of building businesses while creating positive impact in their communities.

For many delegates, meeting local entrepreneurs was the most memorable part of the visit. Through business visits, informal discussions, and networking events, participants gained first-hand insight into the determination, creativity, and optimism driving Timor-Leste's next generation of business leaders.

The visit also highlighted the ongoing work of the Good Business Foundation, founded by Peter McMullin AM, which has been supporting entrepreneurs in Timor-Leste through a range of initiatives, including the Female Founders Program. Several women entrepreneurs involved in the program shared how mentorship, training, and access to networks have helped them grow their businesses and expand their impact.

The visit served as a reminder that meaningful regional cooperation begins with people-to-people connections—and that the future of the Asia-Pacific will be shaped not only by governments and institutions, but also by the entrepreneurs building businesses, creating jobs, and strengthening communities across the region.