About Us

We deliver impact for our members through four core functions: connect, influence, inform and promote.

Connect

We bring people and businesses together to unlock opportunities across borders.

  • Host regular networking events in both Timor-Leste and Australia

  • Support trade missions to and from Australia

  • Collaborate with regional business councils

  • Connect and support new and prospective businesses entering the bilateral market

  • Facilitate strategic discussions with key partners and agencies

Influence

We amplify the voice of business to help shape the enabling environment.

  • Host bi-annual roundtables with the Australian Ambassador

  • Develop and publish policy papers on priority business issues

  • Maintain active engagement with governments to influence policy and legislation

  • Conduct annual member surveys to guide advocacy and reform efforts

Inform

We empower businesses with practical knowledge and resources to succeed.

  • Share timely information on capacity-building opportunities such as grants and staff training

  • Maintain a curated directory of pre-vetted service providers in Timor-Leste on our member portal

  • Share relevant updates and opportunities from the Australian Embassy

Promote

We showcase business success and raise visibility where it matters most.

  • Publish a regular newsletter featuring updates, opportunities, and success stories

  • Promote good news and opportunities through news, podcasts, and video content

  • Ensure TL-ABC member representation at major events like the TL-Aus Business Conference and regional forums

  • Maintain a dynamic online presence through our website and social media channels

Our Leadership

  • General Manager, Caltech Group

    Andy Jacob is a seasoned executive with over four decades of international leadership across diverse industries. His career spans both operational and service provider roles, and he is known for delivering sustainable results in challenging business environments. Andy’s core strengths include strategic planning, crisis management, government liaison, and team development. He currently serves as General Manager of a successful group of Timorese companies and holds director and chairperson roles across several organizations in Australia and internationally. Andy brings deep operational experience and a strong commitment to fostering business relationships between Timor-Leste and Australia.

  • Co-Founder, Orijem Timor

    Troy Huckstepp is the co-founder of Orijem Timor, a social enterprise that empowers local coffee growers to improve quality and expand exports of specialty coffee. With over 20 years of ICT management experience servicing the Australian Department of Defence, Troy’s expertise includes satellite and radio communications, systems engineering, and project management. Through Orijem Timor, he brings together technical knowledge and a commitment to social impact, supporting community development, gender equality, and environmental sustainability. Troy’s cross-sector experience and grassroots engagement bring a unique and inclusive perspective to economic development initiatives.

  • Country Manager, Inovar4

    Brett Reedy brings over 35 years of experience in electronics engineering and team management. His career spans Australia and Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar, and Timor-Leste. As Country Manager for Inovar4, Brett is committed to applying technical expertise to community benefit, particularly through mentoring and sustainable practices. His personal philosophy emphasizes knowledge sharing and environmental responsibility. Brett’s longstanding regional engagement and practical experience in technical operations support meaningful collaboration across the region.

  • Partner, Da Silva Teixeira & Associates

    José Teixeira is a distinguished lawyer and former government minister with extensive experience in natural resources, investment law, and international negotiations. As a past Minister for Natural Resources and Secretary of State, he played a pivotal role in shaping Timor-Leste’s petroleum laws, sovereign wealth fund, and investment framework. He led maritime treaty negotiations with Australia and helped secure Timor-Leste’s membership in the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI). A legal practitioner in both Timor-Leste and Australia, José advises on legislative and judicial reform and holds memberships in several prestigious legal bodies. He speaks English, Tetum, Portuguese, and Spanish, and brings a wealth of legal and policy expertise to cross-border business and governance.

  • Chief Representative for Timor-Leste, RMS Engineering and Construction

    Erik Stokes brings more than 25 years of experience across the civil, mining, and engineering sectors. His expertise spans workshop management, heavy haulage, bulk operations, and large-scale construction. As Chief Representative for RMS in Timor-Leste, Erik is known for his disciplined project management, transparent contract administration, and strong stakeholder engagement. His ability to deliver projects to a high standard has established him as a trusted leader in the country’s infrastructure development. Erik’s operational insight and on-the-ground experience are instrumental in supporting regional business partnerships.

A country of untapped opportunity