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Embassy of Timor Leste in Tokyo

駐日東ティモール大使館

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Tokyo, 15 July 2026

Embassy Discusses Investment Opportunities in Timor-Leste's Maek Processing Industry with Japanese Companies

The Embassy of Timor-Leste in Japan held a meeting with representatives of Japanese companies to discuss potential investment in the processing and commercialization of maek in Timor-Leste.

Meeting at the Embassy of Timor-Leste in Japan with representatives of iA-FOODS and Global Media Corporation, Japanese and Timor-Leste table flags side by side
The Embassy of Timor-Leste in Japan meets with representatives of iA-FOODS and Global Media Corporation, Tokyo

The meeting was attended by Counsellor Célio and Third Secretary Egídio, who welcomed Ms. Sayuri Tsuruta, Chief Executive Officer of iA-FOODS, Mr. Naoki Chiba, General Director of the company's Corporate Planning Department, and Mr. Masanori Tonegawa, President and Chief Executive Officer of Global Media Corporation and Vice Chairman of the Polish Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Discussions focused on opportunities to develop value-added maek-based products for both domestic and international markets. iA-FOODS develops a range of food products derived from maek, including confectionery, desserts, and low-calorie dietary ingredients.

Group photo at the Embassy of Timor-Leste in Japan holding maek-based konjac products and Café Timor packaging, beneath portraits of President Ramos-Horta and Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão
Embassy and iA-FOODS representatives with maek-based konjac products and promotional materials, Tokyo

Recognizing Timor-Leste's abundant maek resources, participants exchanged views on prospects for future cooperation in value-added processing, with the potential to support local industry development and create new economic opportunities.

During the meeting, representatives of iA-FOODS presented several maek-based products, including fruit-flavoured candies, demonstrating the resource's commercial applications and market potential.

The Embassy of Timor-Leste remains committed to facilitating dialogue between Timorese and Japanese partners and encouraging mutually beneficial investment that contributes to sustainable economic development and stronger bilateral economic cooperation.

Embassy of Timor-Leste, Tokyo — Japan