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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation (MNEC), in partnership with the World Bank Group, co-hosted the launch of the Timor-Leste Economic Report 2026, the World Bank’s flagship biannual publication on the country’s economic development, on 16 April 2026 at the Salão Nobre, MNEC.

The World Bank’s flagship biannual report, titled “Leveling Up: How ASEAN Membership Can Support Timor-Leste’s Economic Transformation,” highlights opportunities from Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN, particularly in expanding market access, strengthening investor confidence, and deepening regional economic integration.

Mr. David Freedman, World Bank Group Resident Representative, noted improved economic performance since 2023, supported by sustained growth, increased tourism, improved domestic revenue, and continued macroeconomic stability underpinned by the Petroleum Fund. These positive trends reinforce Timor-Leste’s potential as an emerging investment destination in the region.

Excellency Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, Vice Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, and Minister for Tourism and the Environment, reaffirmed the Government’s strong commitment to inclusive and resilient growth focused on job creation, poverty reduction and improved social services. He underscored that, in close collaboration with national and international partners, the Government will persist in advancing policies and reforms aimed at fostering long-term prosperity, stability, and inclusive growth for Timor-Leste.

On the same occasion, Excellency Bendito dos Santos Freitas, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, emphasized the need for economic diversification and reforms, noting ASEAN accession as a strategic driver of competitiveness, investment, and institutional strengthening.

Discussions underscored that ASEAN membership provides a credible, rules-based framework to advance reforms, improve business climate, and attract investment. Speakers highlighted the importance of improving trade facilitation, streamlining regulatory processes, and strengthening institutions to attract quality investment and promote private sector-led growth.

Timor-Leste’s upcoming ASEAN Chairship in 2029 was highlighted as a key opportunity to showcase progress and strengthen its regional and global economic standing.

The report is available at:
https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/099041526060539214/pdf/P513278-ea02d5d8-7374-4e21-ad36-681387f3df99.pdf

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On April 16^th, 2026, Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão met with Australia’s special envoy for the Greater Sunrise Project, Katrina Cooper, at the Government Palace in Dili as part of a working visit to follow up on and further bilateral discussions regarding the project’s development. 

During the meeting, the Australian envoy, accompanied by the Australian Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Caitlin Wilson, and the Prime Minister, accompanied by the Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Francisco da Costa Monteiro, provided an update on the ongoing negotiations, which are at an advanced stage and focused on finalising three key documents: the Production Sharing Agreement, the Fiscal Regime, and the Petroleum Mining Code, the latter of which has already been finalised.

Following the meeting, the Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources noted that the purpose of the meeting with the Australian Government’s special representative for Greater Sunrise was to report on progress and to share ideas on how to strengthen cooperation between the two governments in developing the project. He added that the discussions had been constructive and focused on finalising the necessary instruments to move the project forward.

Katrina Cooper expressed Australia’s satisfaction with the progress made, noting that the negotiating teams from both countries have already finalised one of the key documents, the Petroleum Mining Code, which allows negotiations to proceed on the Production Sharing Agreement and the Fiscal Regime.

During her visit to Timor-Leste, the special envoy also met with the Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources and the President of the National Petroleum Authority, Gualdino do Carmo da Silva, as part of the technical meetings.

Following her visit to Timor-Leste, Katrina Cooper met, in Darwin on the same day, with Agio Pereira, Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, and Timor-Leste’s representative in the Greater Sunrise discussions, to continue the bilateral dialogue.

The teams from Timor-Leste and Australia are engaged in intensive negotiations, including virtual sessions and preparations for new in-person rounds scheduled for June in Dili and Canberra, to finalise the remaining legal and contractual documents required for the project’s development.

The Greater Sunrise gas fields lie about 140 kilometres south of the Timor-Leste coast. The project’s development consortium comprises TIMOR GAP, Woodside, and Osaka Gas Australia. An independent conceptual study conducted in 2024 confirmed the project’s feasibility in Timor-Leste and its potential contribution to the national economy.

The development of Greater Sunrise, including the pipeline connection to the south coast, aligns with the national priorities for economic growth and development set by the 9th Government.

On April 14^th, 2026, in Dili, the Government, through the Ministry of Finance, signed two grant agreements with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) totalling approximately US$13 million to implement projects in the areas of school nutrition and forest restoration. 

The agreements cover the Forest Restoration Capacity Development and Sustainable Management Project in Timor-Leste (2026–2033) and the Integrated Nutrition and Food Security Program, which encompasses school feeding, food fortification, and the strengthening of school infrastructure (2026–2030).

The funding will be allocated between the two programmes, with approximately US$6 million earmarked for the agriculture and forestry sector, under the responsibility of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Forests, and approximately US$7.2 million for the education sector to support school meals and improve school conditions.

The forest restoration project focuses on the municipalities of Baucau and Manatuto and includes reforestation efforts, the establishment of nurseries, and technical training, with local communities involved. The project also aims to restore degraded areas and strengthen the sustainable management of natural resources.

The nutrition and food security programme will be implemented in several municipalities and aims to improve students’ diets, strengthen infrastructure such as school kitchens, and promote supply chains based on local production, thereby contributing to better health and academic performance.

Members of the Government, representatives of KOICA, international partners, and local officials attended the ceremony.

 

 

 

On April 14^th, 2026, Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, in his capacity as an Eminent Person of the g7+, participated in a videoconference with the President of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss strengthening the g7+’s role in supporting peacebuilding, stability, and democratic consolidation in member states, as well as the establishment of diplomatic relations between Timor-Leste and Sierra Leone. 

The meeting took place during Sierra Leone’s current g7+ presidency. It was built on ongoing coordination among conflict-affected states, with a view to sharing experiences and strengthening mechanisms for cooperation to overcome fragility and instability.

During the meeting, the two leaders explored ways to strengthen the g7+’s engagement through joint initiatives, including sending missions to member countries—specifically Guinea-Bissau and South Sudan—and establishing mechanisms to facilitate dialogue, mediation, and preventive diplomacy. The political situation in these countries was also discussed, with an emphasis on promoting inclusive dialogue and peaceful solutions to resolve conflicts.

At the bilateral level, it was agreed to proceed with establishing diplomatic relations between Timor-Leste and Sierra Leone, with a view to deepening cooperation between the two countries, both of which have histories marked by post-conflict reconstruction and institutional consolidation.

Bendito dos Santos Freitas, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, and Hélder da Costa, the g7+ Secretary-General, also attended the meeting.

The g7+ is an intergovernmental organisation that brings together countries affected by conflict and fragility, promotes peace and stability, advocates for effective development aid, and facilitates peer-to-peer learning. Founded in 2010 in Timor-Leste, it serves as a platform enabling its members to promote national dialogue and reconciliation, strengthen development cooperation based on national ownership and leadership, and share experiences in similar contexts. In 2019, it was granted observer status at the United Nations.

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 April 15th, 2026

The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and approved the draft government resolution, presented by Vice Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs, Tourism, and the Environment Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, regarding the establishment of the Interministerial Committee to Oversee the Construction Project for the International Convention Centre.

This Government Resolution establishes an inter-ministerial coordination mechanism to ensure ongoing oversight of the construction project for the International Convention Centre, which is recognised as a key initiative for economic development, tourism promotion, and the urban revitalisation of Dili.

The resolution establishes a technical and advisory committee, organised into two working groups. One working group is responsible for project development, including technical supervision of construction work, quality control, and verification of construction specifications, while the second working group ensures inter-ministerial coordination at the supervisory level, with the participation of representatives from various relevant ministries and public entities.

The main responsibilities assigned to this committee include overseeing the various phases of the project, coordinating among the entities involved, monitoring deadlines, costs, and financial risks, and identifying any potential constraints and proposing corrective measures. The committee is also expected to prepare periodic reports and hold regular meetings to assess the project’s progress.

The Vice Prime Minister is responsible for the overall coordination of the committee, with technical, administrative, and logistical support from his office to ensure effective oversight and consistent implementation of this strategic project.

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The draft Decree-Law, submitted by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito dos Santos Freitas, for the first amendment to Decree-Law No. 48/2023 of August 23^rd, regarding the Organic Law of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation (MNEC – acronym in Portuguese), was also approved.

This amendment aims to align the Ministry’s organisational structure with the second amendment to the composition of the 9th Constitutional Government, which is already in force and includes the position of Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation.

The decree further stipulates that the Secretary-General of the MNEC, who is responsible for managing, coordinating, and supervising the technical, administrative, and financial support for all of the Ministry’s departments, is appointed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation from among diplomatic officials holding the rank of ambassador or, alternatively, of counsellor, with relevant professional and diplomatic experience in the Ministry’s central and peripheral foreign services.

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The Minister of Health, Elia A. A. dos Reis Amaral, delivered a presentation to the Council of Ministers on preparations for the 79th session of the World Health Organisation’s Regional Committee for Southeast Asia (WHO-SEARO), which Timor-Leste will host in 2026.

Timor-Leste has been a Member State of the World Health Organisation since 2002 and a member of WHO-SEARO since 2003. In 2015, it hosted the 69th Regional Committee meeting. Building on this trajectory, Timor-Leste will once again host this high-level meeting, which will take place in Dili from September 7^th to 9^th, 2026.

The meeting, attended by health ministers and senior officials from the region’s member states, serves as an important forum for dialogue and coordination on health sector priorities and policies, strengthening regional cooperation and improving health systems and the response to common challenges.

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The Minister of Health also gave a presentation to the Council of Ministers on the ASEAN Health Unit. The unit aims to ensure coordination between the national health system and ASEAN cooperation mechanisms, as well as inter-ministerial coordination and national participation in regional health structures.

Among the main initiatives are strengthening the capacity to respond to public health emergencies, through the creation of emergency medical teams and a national operations centre, as well as strengthening surveillance and data management systems.

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The Minister of Health presented an update to the Council of Ministers on the activities of the Public Health and Food Safety Laboratory at the National Institute of Health of Timor-Leste, with a focus on water, food, and beverage quality control.

The laboratory collects and analyses samples, conducts monitoring, and responds to public health outbreaks in coordination with national agencies and partners.

The need to strengthen institutional coordination and avoid duplication of effort was also emphasised, with a view to bolstering the national capacity for health surveillance and public health protection.

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The Council of Ministers approved the draft Decree-Law, presented by the Minister of Health, Elia A. A. dos Reis Amaral, which sets the fees to be charged for laboratory tests conducted in the laboratories of National Health Service institutions.

The main purpose of this Decree-Law is to update the fee structure for laboratory tests, whose current rates had not been revised for more than 15 years, and to establish a clear legal basis for applying these fees. The revision reflects the evolution of the system, which has expanded from approximately 38 test types to more than 150 currently available.

Among the main measures approved, it is stipulated that fees apply only to patients who are not covered by the National Health Service or who are referred by private facilities. The law also stipulates that the fees charged must reflect the actual direct and indirect costs of the services provided, and sets out billing rules, including full payment before the performance of tests and the release of results upon proof of payment.

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The Council of Ministers approved the draft Government Resolution, presented by Finance Minister Santina José Rodrigues F. Viegas Cardoso, regarding a donation of US$631,478.11 to Noble Timor to settle outstanding debts associated with the organisation of previous editions of the Tour de Timor (2012), the Dili Marathon (2018), and the Suai Extreme (2018).

The primary objective of this decision is to settle financial obligations arising from the organisation of these sporting events, which are recognised for their public interest and their contribution to the promotion of sport, tourism, and the international image of Timor-Leste.

This Government Resolution authorises the allocation of a grant to the organising entity to settle the identified debts and requires confirmation, following their settlement, that no other outstanding liabilities remain. The Government Resolution further directs the Minister of Finance to ensure that the necessary procedures are carried out to implement this measure.

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Amid the proposals presented by the Minister of Trade and Industry, Filipus Nino Pereira, the Council of Ministers decided to adopt the theme “Deepening Economic and Trade Cooperation within the CPLP: Opportunities and Challenges” for the Meeting of Trade Ministers of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP – acronym in Portuguese), to be held in Dili in June 2026.

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The Council of Ministers approved the draft Government Resolution, presented by Vice Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, establishing the formation and responsibilities of the negotiating team for Timor-Leste’s accession to the World Trade Organisation’s (WTO) Government Procurement Agreement (GPA).

The purpose of this Government Resolution is to ensure a coordinated and technically sound response to Timor-Leste’s commitment in connection with its accession to the WTO by establishing an interministerial structure responsible for leading the GPA accession negotiation process. This agreement promotes transparency, fair competition, and non-discrimination in public procurement.

The newly established Negotiation Team comprises representatives from various ministries and public agencies, ensuring a coordinated approach across the public administration. The structure is led by a Chief Negotiator, responsible for conducting the negotiations—a role held by the Vice Prime Minister, in his capacity as the Government member responsible for the Coordination of Economic Affairs, or a representative designated by him. The representative must possess extensive, proven technical expertise in public procurement and international trade, and be supported by a dedicated technical coordination team. The team is responsible for preparing the negotiation strategy, analysing the impact of accession on the national legal and institutional framework, drafting the market access offer, and ensuring coordination with public entities, the private sector, and other relevant partners.

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Amid the proposals presented by the Minister of State Administration, Tomás do Rosário Cabral, the Council of Ministers decided to adopt the theme “Together, we will build a homeland increasingly fair, inclusive, and resilient” for the official ceremonies marking the 24th anniversary of the Restoration of Timor-Leste’s Independence, which falls on May 20^th. END

In an interview to be broadcast on Friday at 8:00 p.m., Minister José Honório highlights the main priorities and challenges of the national policy on higher education, science, and technology.

During the interview, the minister emphasised the need to improve the quality of university education, noting that enhancing teachers’ qualifications is an essential pillar for a more robust and competitive education. He also stressed the importance of promoting equal opportunities in access to higher education, ensuring that more young people across the country can benefit from academic training.

Another key point discussed was strengthening the link between educational institutions and the business sector to align academic training with labour market needs and boost national economic development.

The interview also addressed the coordination and regulation of the higher education system, highlighting ongoing efforts to improve efficiency and quality across institutions. The minister also referred to the expansion of technical higher education across various regions as a means of decentralising access to education and promoting regional development.

On the international stage, José Honório addressed academic and scientific cooperation, emphasising the importance of strategic partnerships for knowledge exchange, innovation, and institutional capacity-building.

The full interview will be broadcast this Friday at 8:00 p.m., providing a comprehensive overview of the government’s priorities and strategies for the future of higher education in the country.

Sponsored by the Office of the Government Spokesperson, led by Agio Pereira, Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, the “Government Page” TV Show is produced in partnership with Radio and Television of Timor-Leste and national media outlets. Hosted by Nélia Chaves, with Ika Moniz as executive producer, “Government Page” is a forum for institutional dialogue focused on the public interest, ensuring the population’s access to the executive branch’s key actions and decisions.

9.00 am, Government Palace