Chinese migrants in East Timor long for home but say Dili is better for earning a living
- China was the first country to officially recognise East Timor’s independence in 2002 and today, an estimated 4,000 Chinese migrants are living there, manning shops, restaurants, hotels and even brothels
- Those interviewed say they long for home but worry about the lack of economic prospects if they were to return
One of the store owners is Ma Liyu, 54, originally from Ningde city in China’s Fujian province. She sells tea leaves and mobile phone accessories, with items in the store costing anywhere between US$13 and US$300.
Ma moved to East Timor 11 years ago after hearing it was easier to make money in the country. But starting up her business was not easy. Soon after arriving, she said she was tricked by a fellow Chinese immigrant and lost US$70,000 of her savings.
“Chinese people could trick each other,” Ma said. “They want to cheat you for your money … they make money, you lose money. This happens regularly.”
Still, business thrived at first though it has slowed with more competition from other sellers, Ma said. Other Chinese shop owners said they have also seen a dip in takings as economic growth has slowed. The World Bank reported in April that East Timor’s GDP had declined for a second consecutive year.