New leaders of TradeInvest Timor-Leste take office
On April 17th, 2026, in Dili, Duílio Marino Gusmão Araújo da Silva was sworn in as Executive Director of the Timor-Leste Investment and Export Promotion Agency, I.P. (TradeInvest Timor-Leste), and Roberto da Costa Cabral Lai was appointed Deputy Executive Director of the same institution for a three-year term, at a ceremony presided over by Vice Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs, Francisco Kalbuadi Lay. 
The ceremony was held at the Office of the Vice Prime Minister and attended by the Chairman of the Civil Service Commission, Agostinho Letêncio de Deus; the Commissioner for Workforce Planning, José Telo Soares Cristóvão; and other guests.
The appointment of the two officials was based on the Council of Ministers' decision dated April 8th, 2026, as well as an order from the Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs, which recognises the merit, technical expertise, and years of dedicated service of the new leaders at the institution.
During the ceremony, Francisco Kalbuadi Lay emphasised that the Government’s trust rests on the competence and dedication demonstrated by both appointees in their duties at TradeInvest. He also noted that this moment marks the beginning of a responsibility to the nation, particularly to strengthen the economy and serve the people of Timor-Leste.
“The success of your term in office will be judged by tangible progress in attracting investment, expanding business opportunities, and contributing to the sustainable development of our economy,” said the Vice Prime Minister.
The Minister also urged the new leaders to carry out their duties with a sense of responsibility and commitment, emphasising TradeInvest’s central and strategic role in national development.
The President of the Civil Service Commission called for compliance with the rules and guidelines, emphasising the need to act in line with institutional objectives and the State's interests.
Before their appointments, Duílio Marino Gusmão Araújo da Silva served as Deputy Executive Director of TradeInvest Timor-Leste, while Roberto da Costa Cabral Lai served as Director of Marketing and External Relations at the same institution.
The new leaders are taking office with the responsibility to strengthen TradeInvest Timor-Leste’s capacity to promote investment and trade opportunities, thereby contributing to the sustainable economic development of Timor-Leste.
