China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) Boosts Timor-Leste Trade Links: Timor-Leste is attending the 23rd China-ASEAN Expo in Nanning as a full ASEAN member and co-host, with the event running Sept. 17–21 and drawing 3,400+ companies from 70+ countries; organizers say the focus is shifting from simple promotion to deal-making, including an “ASEAN Requests, China Responds” setup and an AI marketplace. Energy Investment in Timor-Leste: A major solar-plus-battery project is moving ahead with IFC, ADB and JICA backing and about US$85.7m in financing, marking Timor-Leste’s first utility-scale solar and battery storage and its first independent power producer deal under a 25-year power purchase agreement. Mining/Exploration Update: Estrella expands its Timor copper-gold hunt after getting approval for a manganese export, widening the exploration footprint ahead of further drilling. Regional Industry Context: Coverage around CAEXPO also highlights how AI is being used for practical trade and logistics gains across agriculture and supply chains, not just marketing.