Government of Timor-Leste

On February 20^th, 2026, the Minister of Transport and Communications, Miguel Marques Gonçalves Manetelu, signed a contract with TOA Corporation, a Japanese engineering and construction company specialising in maritime and port works, at the Embassy of Timor-Leste in Tokyo for the construction of the new Passenger Terminal at Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport in Dili. 

The ceremony was attended by the Ambassador of Timor-Leste to Japan, Maria Terezinha da Silva Viegas, and representatives of the winning bidder and the project's consulting team. 

In his speech, Minister Miguel Marques Gonçalves Manetelu emphasised that the Passenger Terminal building is a central component of the airport's development and expansion process and that the project requires high engineering standards, strict safety requirements, integration of airport systems, and compliance with international aviation regulations. 

He emphasised that effective coordination among the contractor, consultants, supervising engineers, airport authorities, and relevant government institutions will be crucial to avoiding technical disruptions, preventing delays, and ensuring that all components align with the airport's master plan.

The Minister also noted that the project is a national strategic priority because it strengthens connectivity, supports tourism, facilitates trade, and contributes to economic growth. 

On that occasion, he expressed the Government of Timor-Leste’s appreciation to the Government and people of Japan, as well as to the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), for their continued support for the infrastructure sector, stating that “although this ceremony is taking place here today, its impact will be felt throughout the territory of Timor-Leste. The contract we have signed represents not only a legal commitment but also a shared vision of progress, modernisation, and long-term development for our country."

Ambassador Maria Terezinha da Silva Viegas thanked the entities involved for their work in making the signing possible and called on the company to carry out the work on schedule and to high-quality standards.

The Director of TOA Corporation, Makoto, noted that the new terminal is part of the infrastructure preparations for the 2029 ASEAN Summit, which Timor-Leste will host, and highlighted the airport's role as the country's main gateway.

The company's Senior Executive Director, Katsuhisa Kimura, said: “We have worked in Timor-Leste in previous years and are happy and proud to have the opportunity to work in the country again. Through our previous projects, we have learned a great deal about this nation and its people. We deeply respect the resilience and goodwill of the Timorese people.”

He added that the company is committed to executing the project responsibly, prioritising safety and quality, meeting deadlines, and working in close coordination with the client, consultants, and partners, while respecting local culture, the environment, and communities.

The construction of the new Passenger Terminal is part of the national strategy to modernise transport infrastructure and strengthen air connectivity, to support the sustainable development and international projection of Timor-Leste.