Government of Timor-Leste

On July 19^th, 2024, the Vice Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for Social Affairs and Minister for Rural Development and Community Housing, Mariano Assanami Sabino, signed a memorandum of understanding with the Minister of  Interior and Security of the Government of the Republic of Korea with a view to cooperating in the development of the Saemaul Undong initiative. The signing of this memorandum was part of the Vice Prime Minister's official visit to the Republic of Korea. 

The Saemaul Undong programme, launched in South Korea in the 1970s, aims to improve local infrastructure, increase agricultural productivity and promote community socio-economic development. This model of rural development has been recognised internationally for its success in transforming rural communities through self-reliance and cooperation.

During the visit, the Deputy Prime Minister and the national delegation visited various institutions and companies, in particular the company HAECHUN Co. Ltd., which has expressed interest in investing in East Timor, especially in the area of renewable energies. The delegation also visited the Busan Agricultural Technology Training Centre, Eco Delta Smart City, Eco Delta Smart Village, SK Forest and the Saemaul Undong Museum. 

In addition to the Vice Prime Minister, the delegation also included the Vice Minister of State Administration, Jacinto Rigoberto, the Secretary of State for Forestry, Fernandinho Vieira, the President of the Dili Municipal Authority, Gregório Saldanha, the President of the Ataúro Municipal Authority, Mateus Belo, the Director General of Rural Development and Community Housing, Filipe Cardoso, the Director General of the National Suco Development Programme and other technicians.