Timor-Leste Strengthens Cooperation on Infrastructure and Human Capital Development in Macau
Between June 10th and 12th, 2026, the Minister of Planning and Strategic Investment, Gastão Francisco de Sousa; the Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Francisco da Costa Monteiro; and the Vice Minister of Infrastructure, Júlio do Carmo, participated in Macau in the 17th International Forum and Exhibition on Investment and Infrastructure Construction and the 12th Forum on Infrastructure Cooperation between China and Portuguese-Speaking Countries, to promote investment opportunities and strengthen cooperation in sectors strategic to the development of Timor-Leste.
During the meetings, the Minister of Planning and Strategic Investment outlined the country’s infrastructure priorities, including the maintenance and improvement of water supply, sanitation, and digital connectivity systems. Speaking to the press, Gastão Francisco de Sousa emphasised that Timor-Leste seeks to establish partnerships and attract investment to meet national needs, highlighting Macau’s role as a bridge between China and Portuguese-speaking countries.
The Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Francisco da Costa Monteiro, spoke on a panel at the 12th Forum on Infrastructure Cooperation between China and Portuguese-Speaking Countries, which focused on new opportunities for cooperation in artificial intelligence. In his remarks, he outlined Timor-Leste’s priorities for developing the oil, gas, and minerals sector and highlighted the Tasi Mane project as one of the country’s key infrastructure initiatives.
Throughout their visit to Macau, members of the Government also met with investors and financial institutions from China, the Greater Bay Area, and Portuguese-speaking countries to attract investment in sectors such as transport, energy, telecommunications, and natural resource development. During this visit, the members of the Government were accompanied by António Ramos da Silva, the Delegate of Timor-Leste to the Permanent Secretariat of Forum Macau.
On the sidelines of the forums, the Minister of Planning and Strategic Investment attended the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Human Capital Development Fund (FDCH – acronym in Portuguese) and the University of St. Joseph in Macau to facilitate Timorese students’ access to scholarships at the institution. The agreement, signed by FDCH Executive Director Júlio Aparício and University of São José Vice-Rector Alexandre Lobo, provides for the implementation, starting in 2027, of training programmes in fields such as science and technology, agriculture, health, and engineering.
On that occasion, Gastão Francisco de Sousa stated that the cooperation between Timor-Leste and the University of São José “is not just about technical assistance,” but also an opportunity to strengthen the historical ties between Timor-Leste and Macau and to create new opportunities for future generations of Timorese students.
The forums brought together more than 3,500 participants from over 70 countries and regions and served as a platform for dialogue among governments, businesses, financial institutions, and research centres, promoting international cooperation in infrastructure, technological innovation, and sustainable development.
