Chinese Ambassador to Timor-Leste Xiao Jianguo has said the Chinese Belt and Road initiative presents an important opportunity for Timor-Leste to develop its economy, China Radio International Online reports.

The website of the Chinese state-run radio station quotes Mr Xiao as saying in an interview that Sino-Timor-Leste economic cooperation concentrates on projects by Chinese companies to build infrastructure in Timor-Leste, such as the power grid, roads and ports, which have already begun or were recently finished.

Mr Xiao said his country supported the effort of Timor-Leste to become the 11th member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

China is also willing to help Timor-Leste train its people and improved its infrastructure so it can join ASEAN, China Radio International Online quotes the ambassador as saying.