Presidency of the Council of Ministers
Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste
Ninth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
Meeting of the Council of Ministers on September 2nd, 2026
The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and opened the meeting with a presentation by the Minister of Planning and Strategic Investment, Gastão Francisco de Sousa, and the National Development Agency (ADN). The Council was briefed on the results of an analysis of the costs of renting heavy equipment and fuel, and on their impact on infrastructure projects.
The analysis compares the reference costs currently in use with figures derived from the most recent data. It assesses how rising heavy equipment rental and fuel prices affect the execution of construction projects, particularly in the highway sector. The results suggest a possible need to update the respective reference prices to reflect the increase in construction costs.
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According to the presentation by the Minister of Planning and Strategic Investment, Gastão Francisco de Sousa, the Council of Ministers approved the 2027–2030 Medium-Term Plan, which will set out the main priorities and development goals for the next four years of government and will correspond to the final phase of implementation of the 2011–2030 Strategic Development Plan.
The Plan aims to accelerate national economic and social development, with a particular focus on diversifying the economy, creating jobs, improving infrastructure and public services, developing human capital, and strengthening institutions, to reduce dependence on oil revenues and create the conditions for more sustainable economic growth.
The proposal outlines ten national strategic priorities, including reform of land ownership and registration, access to finance for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, the development of the blue economy and tourism, improved logistics and connections between production areas and markets, increased agricultural productivity and irrigated areas, strengthened vocational training, improved electricity and water supply to economic zones, and better conditions for private investment.
The Plan also sets specific targets and indicators to track results by 2030, with regular monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to enable the government to track the implementation of the defined priorities and adjust its actions as needed.
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The Council of Ministers approved the draft Decree-Law, presented by Vice-Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, and Minister of Tourism and the Environment Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, regarding the special public procurement regime applicable to Timor-Leste’s preparation for and exercise of the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2029.
The draft decree-law establishes an exceptional, temporary framework to expedite contracting for construction or infrastructure rehabilitation projects in the municipality of Dili that are necessary for the preparation of the ASEAN Chairmanship, as well as the goods and services directly associated with the preparation, execution, supervision, and completion of these projects. The framework specifically covers the construction of the Convention Centre, which must be fully operational in time for the ASEAN Chairmanship preparation schedule.
The draft decree-law also grants the Vice-Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, and Minister of Tourism — regardless of the value of the contracts — the authority to carry out the administrative and financial acts necessary for contracting, including authorising expenditure, initiating procedures, approving the award of contracts, and entering into contracts on behalf of the State. The contracting authority’s procurement services handle the procedures, and the National Procurement Commission and the National Development Agency may provide technical support when requested. The Chamber of Accounts’ prior oversight remains in effect for contracts valued at more than US$5 million.
This framework will remain in effect until December 31st, 2029, and aims to ensure that the necessary infrastructure is in place by the established deadlines, enabling Timor-Leste to host the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2029.
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Following recent acts of vandalism against public electricity infrastructure, the Council of Ministers decided to instruct the Minister of the Interior to coordinate the necessary efforts to strengthen policing around this infrastructure and to work with the Ministry of Public Works to adopt measures to enhance the protection of the relevant equipment, with a view to preventing further incidents and safeguarding the operation and safety of public electricity infrastructure.
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The Council of Ministers approved two draft resolutions of the National Parliament, submitted by the Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Jesuína Maria Ferreira Gomes, on the approval of visa waiver agreements with Vietnam and Vanuatu.
The first agreement, signed in Hanoi on June 9th, 2026, establishes a visa waiver for holders of ordinary passports from Timor-Leste and Vietnam, with the aim of facilitating the entry, transit, and stay of citizens of both countries for tourism and contributing to the strengthening of bilateral relations.
The second agreement, signed in Port Vila on July 22nd, 2026, establishes a mutual visa exemption for holders of diplomatic, official, or service passports from Timor-Leste and Vanuatu, to facilitate travel on official business between the two countries and to strengthen bilateral cooperation. END
url: https://timor-leste.gov.tl?lang=en&p=0
Timor-Leste is participating, for the first time, in the ASEAN Film Festival in Hong Kong through the screening of three short films dedicated to the country’s intangible cultural heritage. The Vice Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs, and Minister of Tourism and Environment, Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, attended a ceremony held as part of the Festival on August 28th, 2026, where he highlighted the opportunity to promote Timorese culture, identity, and creativity to an international audience. 
The fourth edition of the ASEAN Film Festival takes place from August 20th to September 27th, 2026, featuring over 30 films from the 11 ASEAN Member States, as well as productions from other countries and territories. This year’s edition marks Timor-Leste’s first participation in the Festival.
In his address, the Vice Prime Minister thanked the Hong Kong-ASEAN Foundation and the Festival organisers for the invitation extended to Timor-Leste and for the opportunity to share the nation’s culture with the ASEAN community and the international public.
“For Timor-Leste, this is a very special moment. I am proud to be here alongside highly talented Timorese individuals, who demonstrate that, despite being a small nation, we possess creativity, talent, and stories to share with the world,” stated Francisco Kalbuadi Lay.
Timor-Leste’s participation includes the presentation of the collection “Intangible Cultural Heritage: Short Films from Timor-Leste”, comprising three short films produced in 2024: “The Rise of Genre Tebe-Tebe”, by Domingos Flaviano Belo Correia Freitas; “Babadok Instrument Production”, by Silvano Rodrigues Xavier; and “Traditional Knowledge of Uma Lulik and Its Cultural Sites”, by Grazela Maria Albino.
The three productions showcase different dimensions of Timor-Leste’s intangible cultural heritage, through Tebe-Tebe, the handcrafted production of the Babadok musical instrument, and the cultural knowledge and practices associated with Uma Lulik (traditional Timorese sacred houses). The short films were produced with the support of UNESCO and the International Information and Networking Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region (ICHCAP).
In his address, Francisco Kalbuadi Lay highlighted the role of cinema and culture in promoting Timor-Leste’s identity and reality by conveying the country’s stories, memories, traditions, and values.
“Preserving our culture is essential because it reminds us of what we have been through and the legacy our ancestors left for our identity and for future generations,” he stated.
The Vice Prime Minister also thanked Timorese artists, filmmakers, cultural actors, and young people for their contribution to promoting the arts and culture of Timor-Leste, stating that “together, we have written another chapter in our country’s history”.
Organised by the Hong Kong-ASEAN Foundation, the ASEAN Film Festival is a non-profit initiative designed to promote understanding and appreciation of different cultures through film. The 2026 edition features free screenings across various venues in Hong Kong, as well as meetings with directors and other film industry professionals.
Timor-Leste’s participation in this edition of the Festival expands the presence of Timorese culture and audiovisual production in the regional arena, within the context of the country’s participation as an ASEAN Member State.
url: https://timor-leste.gov.tl?lang=en&p=0
