Government breaks ground on the International Convention Centre in Dili
On May 20th, 2026, the groundbreaking ceremony for the International Convention Centre was held in the old port area of Dili, as part of celebrations marking the 24th anniversary of the Restoration of Independence and Timor-Leste’s preparations to assume the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2029. 
The President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta; the Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão; the Vice-President of the National Parliament, Duarte Nunes; members of the Government; the Secretary-General of ASEAN, Kao Kim Hourn; the Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of Australia, Richard Marles; former Indonesian Ministers of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirajuda and Marty Natalegawa; the diplomatic corps; and other guests attended the ceremony.
The project, approved by the Council of Ministers at its meeting on April 8th, 2026, provides for the construction of a facility to host ASEAN meetings during Timor-Leste’s presidency of the organisation, including the Summit of Heads of State and Government, as well as other large-scale events.
The new International Convention Centre will be built in the old port area on the waterfront of Dili Bay. It will comprise a main building housing conference rooms, auditoriums, and exhibition halls. The complex will also include leisure and tourism facilities, such as a pedestrian promenade along the pier, an aquarium, and an entertainment and retail area.
During the ceremony, the Prime Minister said the project stems from the 9th Constitutional Government’s vision to prepare Timor-Leste for new regional responsibilities. “In 2029, Timor-Leste will chair ASEAN, which is why we are here to launch this vision and this commitment,” said Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão.
ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn welcomed the launch of the project and noted that the International Convention Centre will serve as a platform for dialogue, partnership, and regional integration, as part of Timor-Leste’s preparations for its ASEAN Chairmanship in 2029.
Construction is scheduled for completion on May 20th, 2028.
