Renewables Finance: Ashurst Perkins Coie backed IFC, ADB and JICA on Timor-Leste’s first utility-scale solar + battery storage project—73.7MW solar and 80.2MWh BESS—with US$85.7m financing, a 25-year PPA to EDTL, and expected output for ~80,000 households, aiming to cut diesel reliance. Energy Strategy: Timor-Leste also plans a second LNG plant on the south coast using “leftover” Bayu-Undan and Chuditch gas, with an investment decision targeted for 2029 and discussions ongoing with partners. Trade & Investment: Timor-Leste joined the 23rd China-ASEAN Expo in Nanning as a full ASEAN member and co-host, with CAFTA 3.0 spotlighting AI, green development and matchmaking for ASEAN demand projects. Regional Finance & Skills: ANZ Timor-Leste was recognized for excellence in financial literacy, reinforcing the push for better money skills as the country attracts more investment. Mining Watch: Estrella Resources expanded its Timor-Leste copper-gold hunt with two new exploration licences and received conditional approval for a maiden manganese export to Indonesia.