Denpasar and Timor-Leste explore creative economy and tourism collaboration

The Denpasar City Government has begun exploring cooperation opportunities with the Government of Timor-Leste across various strategic sectors, ranging from the creative economy, tourism, trade and industry to culture and education.

The exploration emerged when Denpasar Deputy Mayor I Kadek Agus Arya Wibawa received a working visit from Apolo Justino Franca da Silva, Trade and Industry Attaché of the Timor-Leste Consulate General in Denpasar, at the Denpasar Mayor’s Office on Tuesday.

Deputy Mayor Arya Wibawa said the Denpasar City Government continues to open up cooperation opportunities with various cities and countries as part of efforts to strengthen regional development through international networking.

According to him, it is hoped that the exploration with the Timor-Leste Government can progress to a more concrete stage, particularly in the creative economy, business, culture and education sectors, which hold significant potential for joint development.

“At present, the Denpasar City Government is indeed focusing on exploring cooperation with many parties and cities around the world as a step in developing the city of Denpasar,” said Arya Wibawa.

Meanwhile, Apolo Justino Franca da Silva, Trade and Industry Attaché of the Timor-Leste Consulate General in Denpasar, expressed appreciation for the warm welcome from the Denpasar City Government and its commitment to building a mutually beneficial working relationship.

He is optimistic that the discussions held in the meeting could mark the beginning of agreements across various fields, while opening opportunities for broader collaboration in the future.

“Thank you for the extraordinary welcome from the Deputy Mayor of Denpasar. We appreciate the Denpasar City Government’s steps in the planned cooperation with our country,” said Apolo.

Apolo added that his side hopes communication and coordination between the two parties will continue, so that the cooperation being initiated can deliver tangible benefits for both the people of Denpasar and Timor-Leste.

The meeting was also attended by the Assistant Trade and Industry Attaché, Ricardo de Araujo, and local staff member Theresia Nur Hayati. On that occasion, both sides discussed various potential collaborations considered capable of delivering benefits to both Denpasar and Timor-Leste.