available soon

available soon

The Dili International Expo 2025 (DITE-2025), to be held at the Dili Convention Centre from 28 August to 1 September 2025, will be the first international exhibition organized in Timor-Leste by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Its objective and mission are to bring together countries, small and medium-sized enterprises, private businesses, non-governmental organizations and intergovernmental organizations to showcase their achievements, present the latest innovations in culture and technology, and promote collaboration across various sectors.

The event will bring many programs like Promote Businesses and products, Live Talk Show, Business Match Making, MoU between B2B, Showcase Art and cultural, Live music by national artist, Presentation on research and Innovation done by university and companies, Presentation on business and Investment opportunity by Government agency and CCI-TL districts, Presentation on Loan and Credit support by BNCTL.

The exhibition will include themed pavilions, networking opportunities and cultural experiences, encouraging global connections. As Timor-Leste is a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and in the process of acceding to ASEAN, this event will be the first of its kind to position the country in the global market. It will provide opportunities for national and international traders, manufacturers and industrialists to collaborate and invest in Timor-Leste. The concept of “make it and brand it” aims to promote “Made in Timor-Leste” products in the ASEAN and global markets.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forests (MAPPF), through the Secretary of State for Forests (SEF), is organising a National Forestry Conference on the theme of ‘Economic Diversification through the Forestry Sector’.

Date: Friday 18 July 2025

Time: 8am – 6pm

Venue: Dili Convention Centre (CCD)

On July 15th , 2025, Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão delivered a lecture at the Pan Pacific Singapore, part of the RSIS Distinguished Public Lecture series, entitled “Timor-Leste and ASEAN: “a new chapter in the history of the region.” The event, organized by the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) at Nanyang Technological University, brought together academics, public policy experts and students to debate Timor-Leste’s role in the regional and global context. 

In his speech, Xanana Gusmão gave a wide-ranging reflection on geopolitical changes, the challenges of a “world of disorder” and Timor-Leste’s aspirations as a future full member of ASEAN.  He recalled the lecture he gave on his last visit to Singapore, in 2013, where he reflected “on the motto of the RSIS – ‘ponder the improbable’” and on the “improbable journey of the Timorese people: from centuries of colonial rule, through occupation and resistance, to independence and development based on peace.”  He added that, twelve years later, he is returning “not to recount our past, but to share how Timor-Leste sees the future of our region and how we can contribute to it”. 

The Prime Minister stressed the importance of ASEAN as a pillar of regional stability in a world marked by great changes and challenges: “This is not a ‘new world order’, but a ‘world of disorder’.” “In this world, ASEAN is more important than ever.”   He also highlighted the regional bloc’s role in transforming Southeast Asia from “a once divided region into one of the most stable and cooperative in the world.”   He also referred to the fact that “ASEAN is not just an institution, it is a manifestation of a regional culture of cooperation – one that has allowed countries with different histories, political systems and levels of development to sit at the same table and work together.” 

He reaffirmed Timor-Leste’s “deep respect for the principles of ASEAN as set out in the ASEAN Charter” and stressed that these “its core principles — non-interference, consensus, peaceful resolution of disputes and mutual respect — have provided a basis for trust between very different nations.” He also emphasized that Timor-Leste “sees ASEAN as a community of nations committed to peace, mutual respect and shared progress”, stressing that, “as Timor-Leste has learned the hard way”, “there can be no development without peace and there can be no peace without development”. 

 Xanana Gusmão praised Singapore as “a unique example of national development – building a modern, high-income economy through strategic leadership, a long-term vision and a deep commitment to social cohesion.” He added that “as a fellow small state, Timor-Leste is inspired by this example. We may not share all of Singapore’s strengths, but we share its need to be resilient, to navigate change and to speak with purpose in an unpredictable world.”

On national developments since independence, the Head of Government recalled that  Timor-Leste “has strengthened our institution of States, built infrastructure across our country and developed State capacity to meet the needs of our people,” while at the same time “secured peace and building a liberal democracy – with an open economy, a free society and a firm commitment to human rights and the rule of law.” 

He reiterated that “Timor-Leste seeks full membership of ASEAN with a strong sense of responsibility — and a deep sense of belonging”, seeing itself “not as strangers joining a club, but as Southeast Asians formally joining a regional family.” He also said that for Timor-Leste, joining ASEAN is not a destination — it is not an end in itself. It is a framework for regional peace and prosperity that we want to contribute to – and defend”. 

During the dialog that followed the lecture, the Prime Minister answered questions about the country’s economic challenges and Timor-Leste’s integration into ASEAN. He identified the development of human capital as a priority for economic transformation:  ”The main challenge we face is the development of human resources. Without a clear vision and an empowered population, progress will be limited.    We are investing in education at all levels – from elementary school to university – to prepare our people for the future.”  Questioned about the free movement of people within ASEAN, he explained that Timor-Leste is in the final stages of negotiation of agreements relating to trade in goods and services, investment and the mobility of citizens, in line with the commitments recently made when joining the World Trade Organization and allowing Timor-Leste to enter ASEAN as a well-prepared and fully contributing member. 

At the end of his speech, Xanana Gusmão highlighted Timor-Leste’s commitment to active and constructive participation within ASEAN:   “Timor-Leste seeks to join ASEAN with a deep sense of responsibility and a great sense of optimism. We do so not to be alone, but to be with others – to work together, speak together and grow together.” Our hope is simple: that the next chapter in the history of Southeast Asia will be written by all of us — in common purpose, and a shared belief in peace, dignity and the power of regional solidarity.” 

Speech by H. E. the Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão

Singapore

15 July 2025

available soon

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 July 16th 2025

The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and approved the draft Decree-Law, presented by Minister José Honório da Costa Pereira Jerónimo, on Access and Admission to Higher Education.

Under the terms of the Basic Law on Higher Education, the law defines the legal regime for access and admission to higher education in Timor-Leste, establishing common rules for students’ application, selection and placement procedures.

The measure applies to all students who have completed secondary education and wish to enter public or private higher education institutions, with uniform criteria for the admission of new students.

The law establishes a general access regime and special regimes for specific groups, including people with disabilities, members of vulnerable families, Timorese citizens who have completed their secondary education abroad and those over 23, among others.

The Coordinating Commission for Access to Higher Education (CAES) is created, responsible for organizing and supervising the process of access to public higher education, including defining the timetable, coordinating exams, classifying candidates and validating placement lists.

For a transitional period of ten years (2025-2035), the Government will manage the process of access to public higher education. After this period, responsibility will be handed over to the higher education establishments themselves, which will be able to organize their own admission processes. The law also provides for the possibility of courses requiring specific prerequisites and defines tie-breaking criteria and appeal mechanisms for candidates.

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The Decree-Law presented by the Minister of Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, Nelyo Isaac Sarmento, on the availability and dedication allowance for the XII CPLP Sports Games 2025 in Timor-Leste, was also approved.

The aim of the diploma is to recognize the efforts and guarantee the full availability of those involved in organizing and participating in Timor-Leste’s XII CPLP Sports Games, which will take place between July 17^th and 27^th 2025. To this end, it establishes an availability and dedication allowance for volunteers, athletes, coaches, referees, officials, entertainers, contracted employees and civil servants from the Ministry of Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, who participate directly in the preparation and organization of the event.

This allowance, which is of a pecuniary nature and granted on an exceptional basis, is intended to compensate for the special working conditions required, namely working overtime of more than three hours a day, between May 17^th and July 27^th, 2025. The list of beneficiaries will be approved by ministerial order, based on the information provided by the Secretariat of the Local Organizing Committee of the CPLP Sports Games

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Lastly, the Minister of Transport and Communications, Miguel Marques Gonçalves Manetelu, presented the Council of Ministers with the results of the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) preliminary report under the Universal Safety Audit Program – Continuous Control Approach (USAP-CMA)

ICAO, a specialized United Nations agency created in 1944, has the mission of promoting the safe and sustainable development of international civil aviation by defining global standards and strengthening cooperation between States. Through USAP-CMA, the organization continuously assesses countries’ compliance with aviation safety standards, identifying weaknesses and supporting their correction.

The presentation highlighted the main results of the audit, as well as the actions and recommendations to be implemented to improve the safety conditions of national civil aviation. END

Presidency of the Council of Ministers

Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste

Ninth Constitutional Government

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July 15th, 2025

Press Release 

Government Congratulates Civil Servants on National Civil Service Day

The IX Constitutional Government congratulates all civil servants on the celebration of National Civil Service Day, a date established by Government Resolution 22/2015 of July 15^th. The purpose of creating this event was to recognize the essential role of the Civil Service in pursuing the public interest, respecting the legitimate rights and interests of citizens and institutions, and the commitment to bringing services closer to the people, as established in the Constitution of the Republic.

The choice of July 15^th is associated with the publication of Law no. 5/2009, which revised the Civil Service Statute, and Law no. 7/2009, which created the Civil Service Commission, fundamental entities in the structuring of an efficient public service at the service of the common good. The Government recalls that the Civil Service is made up of citizens who are required to dedicate themselves to the service of the State, contributing to the construction of institutions and the development of a fairer society.

The Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and Government Spokesperson, Agio Pereira, highlights the importance of this date, saying that “National Civil Service Day is a time to honor the men and women who, with commitment and a sense of responsibility, have contributed to strengthening the State and improving the services provided to the population. The Government recognizes the effort and dedication of all civil servants, who are fundamental pillars in the consolidation of our administration and the development of the country.

The Government reaffirms its commitment to continuing to invest in strengthening the capacities of the Civil Service, with a view to guaranteeing services that are ever closer, more effective and geared towards the needs of the population. END

English version available soon, see Portuguese version below:

O FITUN FEST – FESTIVAL INTERNACIONAL TIMOR-LESTE ÚNICO é um evento cultural integrado nos XII Jogos Desportivos da CPLP, organizado pela Associação de Empreendedorismo e Gestão Cultural de Timor-Leste.

Data: 20 a 25 de julho de 2025 | Horas: 16:00 – 22:00 | Local: Palácio Presidencial


PROGRAMA DA ABERTURA OFICIAL DO FESTIVAL:

16:00 – 17:00 | Chegada dos Visitantes

17:05 – 17:05 | Oração

17:05 – 17:10 | Abertura: Lian na’in Díli “Uma Lisan Karketu”, hú Karau Dikun e Dadolin

17:10 – 17:15 | Entrega de “Lok Bua Malus” aos ilustres convidados – Explicação (MC)

17:15 – 17:35 | Performance Noise Project – Etson Caminha

17:35 – 17:40 | Breves palavras da Presidente da Associação de Empreendedorismo e Gestão Cultural de Timor-Leste, Sra. Mirabila F. Sarmento

17:40 – 17:50 | Discurso do Excelentíssimo Ministro da Juventude, Desporto, Arte e Cultura, Nelyo Isaac Sarmento

17:50 – 18:00 | Discurso de Sua Excelência o Presidente da República J. Ramos Horta

18:00 – 18:10 | Abertura oficial do Festival presidida pelo Presidente da República, Vice-Ministra para os Assuntos da ASEAN, Milena da Costa Rangel (Madrinha) e Ilustres Convidados

18:10 – 19:10 | Visita de Sua Excelência e os ilustres convidados aos “Jogos Tradicionais CPLP” e aos expositores.

19:00 – 20:00 | Degustação “Culinária e os Sabores da CPLP”

20:00 – 22:00 | Banda música: Ego Lemos, Díli Soul