Government of Timor-Leste

On December 6^th, 2024, the Vice-Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for Social Affairs and Minister for Rural Development and Community Housing, Mariano Assanami Sabino, representing the Head of Government, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, led the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of strategic infrastructure in the fishing sector in Laleia, in the municipality of Manatuto. 

The ceremony began with the signing of the lease agreement between the government, represented by the Minister of Justice, Sérgio Hornay, and the companies involved. This was followed by the laying of the foundation stone for the infrastructure, which will be developed by the national company Timor South Sea Fishery Development Lda. in partnership with the Chinese company Guanxi Yixin Fishery Development Co. Ltd. 

During his speech, the Vice-Prime Minister thanked the companies involved for their commitment to collaborating and investing in the fishing sector. He also stressed the importance of this joint effort to strengthen the national economy and create new job opportunities for Timorese citizens. 

Mariano Assanami Sabino also explained that this project was first discussed in 2013, during a meeting between the Prime Minister, Xanana Gusmão, and the President of China. Since then, both parties have made a strong commitment, which is now coming to fruition under the leadership of the 9th Government, turning this strategic vision into reality. 

 The project is considered to be of a strategic nature and is expected to create a significant number of jobs for young Timorese, while at the same time promoting sustainable development in the region. The Vice-Prime Minister stressed the importance of active collaboration between the local community and companies, reinforcing the need for security and stability in the development of activities.

On behalf of the Head of Government, the Vice-Prime Minister called on the companies to show seriousness in carrying out the project, guaranteeing concrete results that match the expectations generated.

In addition to the  Vice-Prime Minister and the Minister of Justice, the ceremony was also attended by the Vice-Minister of State Administration, Jacinto Rigoberto G. de Deus, the Secretary of State for Lands and Property, Jaime Xavier, the Secretary of State for Fisheries, Domingos da Conceição dos Santos, the Secretary of State for Toponymy and Urban Organization, Germano Santa Brites Dias, the President of the Manatuto Municipal Authority, community leaders, religious representatives, members of the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL) and the Defense Forces of Timor-Leste (F-FDTL), as well as other members of the community.