Government and ADB hold seminar on the concept of the National Development Bank of Timor-Leste
Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, with relevant members of the Government and ABD Timor-Leste, held a seminar on the concept of the National Development Bank of Timor-Leste (BNDTL Portuguese acronyms), on August 1st, 2025, at the Auditorium of the Ministry of Finance, Dili, with the objective of promoting reflection and institutional creation. operationalization of the National Development Bank of Timor-Leste (BNDTL), a strategic instrument provided for in the Program of the 9TH Constitutional Government, which is expressly mentioned in its Organic Law as a structuring initiative for sustainable and inclusive economic development in this country. 
The opening session was attended by the Director of ADB Timor-Leste, Stefania Dina and Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão. The Director of ADB is honored to be able to join the Government today in this important seminar and highlights that the country is embarking on a transformative journey towards an inclusive and sustainable growth center. At the center of this transformation is the establishment of a well-functioning National Development Bank—an essential catalyst for strategic financing, banking development projects and unlocking vital investments in infrastructure and the private sector. 
In the opening of the seminar, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of the Government's vision, regarding the development of the country, the need to create a financial system that can function for all Timorese, the Government will support transformative investments — in agriculture, tourism, industry and housing. The Head of Government also underlined the importance of the bank to act to promote the national interest. Its mission will not be limited to financial returns but will focus on valuing the productive capacity of our entire people. 
The seminar also included discussions by experts on techniques, strategy development and vision for the National Development Bank of Timor-Leste (BNDTL) for the future. 
On July 30th, 2025, the Council of Ministers approved the draft Decree-Law creating the National Development Bank of Timor-Leste, SA (BNDTL), presented jointly by the Cabinets of the Ministers of Planning and Strategic Planning, the Minister of Finance and the Vice Prime-Minister and the Minister Coordinator for Economic Affairs. 
BNDTL is a financial institution with exclusive public capital, with legal personality and administrative, financial and patrimonial autonomy, whose objective is to support productive investment and increase the country's sustainable economic growth. End 
