Prime Minister visits Timor Gap
![Timor GAP PM tratada](https://timor-leste.gov.tl/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Timor-GAP-PM-tratada-.jpeg)
On April 22nd The Prime Minister, Dr. Rui Maria de Araújo and the President of Timor Gap, Francisco da Costa Monteiro, went to the Timor Gap, with the purposes of understanding the operation of this state-owned company.
Accompanied by the Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Alfredo Pires, this was his first visit to this institution.
The President of Timor Gap informed the Head of Government about the work developed by the company, in which are included the explorations in the Timor Sea as well as other technical aspects.
Dr. Rui Maria de Araújo congratulated the Fifth Constitutional Government’s decision to transform Timor Gap into state-owned company, and commend its work.
“Timor Gap may become a reference to other State institutions”, adding that “on what concerns to institutional development, it is necessary to set a new dynamic, that is, Timor Gap may become very important on decision making based on business solution”.
The Head of Government highlighted that this company cannot work as a State department. “The State of Timor-Leste, as a stakeholder of Timor Gap, shall ensure that the company negotiates on behalf of the State, but not as its department. It is an important issue concerning the future of the company.”
To Dr. Rui Maria de Araújo, having once been established its main activity, the company shall develop its business plan and put it into action.
“The State, as a stakeholder, shall monitor the sort of its investments. Timor Gap, on its turn, shall demonstrate to the State that it really holds ability to manage business and that it is worth its investment”.
The Prime Minister recalled that the Sixth Constitutional Government serves only a term of two years and that is not enough to implement many of the undertaken commitments. However, and in case there is a good business plan, the State may invest on Timor Gap.
By the end of his visit, Dr. Rui Maria de Araújo asked for them to carry on working with professionalism.