Cross-Border Payments: Bank Indonesia is pushing QRIS interoperability further, signing MoUs to explore cross-border QR payments with Banco Central de Timor-Leste (BCTL) and also with Hong Kong’s HKMA, aiming for more convenient, secure transactions that can boost tourism and trade. Tourism Money Flows: Indonesia reported strong inbound cross-border QRIS activity—17.8 million transactions worth about US$345.7m through August 2026—showing how easier payments can lift visitor spending. Energy & Infrastructure: Offshore services firm Fugro won new Timor-Leste contracts for geotechnical and metocean surveys supporting the Greater Sunrise TLNG and Bayu-Undan Pipeline Highway routes, with fieldwork planned to start in Q1 2027. Labour Mobility: Australia confirmed Timor-Leste is eligible for the PALM work placement scheme, opening legal pathways for Timorese workers to fill roles in Australian industries. Diplomacy & Trade Links: Timor-Leste’s growing regional engagement continues, including Kazakhstan formalizing diplomatic relations and discussing cooperation across trade, tourism, and agriculture.