TOKYO, 14 November 2025 — Her Excellency Maria Terezinha da Silva Viegas, Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste to Japan, received a delegation from Chugoku Electric Power Co., Inc. at the Embassy of Timor-Leste in Tokyo.
The delegation was led by Mr. Hitoshi Kanetsuki, Chief Executive Officer and Operating Officer of the International Business Division, accompanied by Mr. Naotaka Naito, Engineer from the Consulting Group, Strategy & Planning Department, and Mr. Masaki Ban, Chief Analyst.
At the outset, Mr. Kanetsuki presented an overview of the company’s history since its establishment in 1951 and highlighted its position as one of Japan’s leading electric power providers. He further inquired about existing policies and potential cooperation frameworks between Timor-Leste and Japan in the energy sector.
Meanwhile, Mr. Naito shared insights from the delegation’s recent visit to Dili, where they held discussions with Electricidade de Timor-Leste (EDTL). He explained that the company had submitted a comprehensive set of proposals to EDTL, including the formulation of an Electric Master Plan, capacity-building and technical training programs, as well as references to Chugoku Electric Power’s experience in supporting Cambodia’s business master plan and national energy roadmap. Based on these engagements, it was noted that EDTL intends to pursue its own master plan, while also requesting coordination with JICA on related aspects.
In response, Ambassador Viegas welcomed the initiative of a major Japanese energy company in exploring cooperation with Timor-Leste. She reaffirmed the Embassy’s commitment to supporting such efforts, particularly through facilitating communication with relevant ministries and institutions in Dili. Furthermore, the Ambassador expressed her intention to engage with JICA in the near future to follow up on discussions related to the Electric Master Plan.
Overall, the meeting was conducted in a constructive and cordial atmosphere. It reflected a shared interest in strengthening bilateral cooperation in the energy sector, in support of Timor-Leste’s sustainable development objectives.
