Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources on the 14th edition of the program “Página do Governo” (Government Page), Friday at 8:00 p.m. on RTTL
The 14th edition of the “Página do Governo” program features the Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Francisco Monteiro, who discusses the Government's strategic vision for the sustainable development of the oil and mineral resources sector, the progress of negotiations on Greater Sunrise, the implementation of the Tasi Mane project, and plans for economic diversification through industrialization and mining. 
The Minister explains that “the overall vision for this sector was defined by the 9th Constitutional Government” and is in line with “what was already defined in the 2011-2030 National Strategic Development Plan.” He also emphasizes that the goal is to transform “activities that were essentially extractive into a new phase of industrialization for our country,” in order to “contribute to job creation and achieve greater socioeconomic impacts.”
Regarding the Greater Sunrise project, Francisco Monteiro states that “technical, commercial, and legal negotiations” are taking place simultaneously, with Timor-Leste, Australia, and the consortium companies—Woodside, Timor GAP, and Osaka Gas—working together to “finalize the legal and contractual framework that will enable the development of the field.” He adds that the conceptual study, completed in November last year, shows that “the construction of the gas pipeline and LNG plant in Natarbora is not only technically feasible but also commercially very advantageous for all stakeholders.”
Regarding the Tasi Mane project, the minister emphasizes that its implementation is an essential part of the “overall vision for the industrialization of this sector,” serving as a ‘facilitator’ to “encourage investors.”
When asked about the existing challenges, the Minister acknowledges that there are limitations but assures that “it is not a challenge that has no limits or that we cannot overcome.” With regard to the lack of human resources in the sector, Francisco Monteiro states that a “very comprehensive plan is being drawn up, not only to prepare the young people and technical engineers involved in the construction process over the next five or six years, but also for after the construction phase, so that we have human resources prepared for the operation and maintenance phase.”
With regard to Bayu-Undan, the minister reveals that the Ministry, together with its partners, is working “to see how we can continue to exploit the reserves or resources that still exist and are still of considerable size.” “Compared to production already achieved, there is still about a third left to be explored,” he said, noting that the potential includes the Chudditch field and others, as well as ongoing talks for the Carbon Capture and Storage project in Bayu-Undan.
Francisco Monteiro also highlights the intensification of prospecting and exploration for minerals such as manganese, copper, limestone, and gold in several municipalities across the country, emphasizing that “these activities have strong potential to create jobs and contribute to state revenue.”
The Minister also mentions the agreement signed in February between ENI and Timor GAP for the exploration of a new block located between Greater Sunrise and Bayu-Undan, as well as the development of the Kuda-Tasi Zahal field, with production expected to start in 2027–2028.
From a long-term perspective, Francisco Monteiro states that the oil and minerals sector will continue to make an important contribution to national economic development and emphasizes that the "major industrialization efforts currently underway will enable the oil and minerals sectors to continue to contribute positively through job creation, economic benefits, and sources of income for the state, which will continue to be significant over the next 10 to 20 years."
The “Página do Governo” program is an initiative of the Office of the Government Spokesperson, led by the Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Agio Pereira, in partnership with RTTL, the national media, and digital platforms. Its goal is to strengthen government transparency and ensure the population's access to information about the Executive's main actions and decisions. Nélia Chaves is the presenter, and Ika Moniz is the executive producer. Technical support is provided by the communications teams of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, the Office of the Prime Minister, and the office of the interviewed member of the Government.
Government Spokesperson, Minister Agio Pereira, reaffirms that the “Página do Governo” program is an important tool for promoting accountability and dialogue between the Executive Branch and citizens.
The Government invites the entire population to follow this edition of “Página do Governo” (Government Page), to be broadcast on Friday, October 17th, at 8:00 p.m., on RTTL and on social media, reinforcing its commitment to building a more informed, participatory society committed to national development.
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