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On April 18^th, 2026, Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, accompanied by Minister of Public Works Samuel Marçal, inaugurated the rehabilitation of the Maliana urban road in the municipality of Bobonaro to improve mobility, facilitate access to economic activities, and strengthen connectivity in the region. 

This project forms part of the 9th Constitutional Government’s investments in road infrastructure, aimed at improving traffic conditions and supporting local and national economic development. The rehabilitated road spans approximately 48 kilometres between Nunura and Maliana Vila, including roads within the city.

The project was carried out by two international companies and funded by the Government through the Ministry of Public Works, with an investment of over US$33 million. Before the work began, the road was in poor condition, which hindered the movement of people and goods, particularly during the rainy season.

During the ceremony, the President of the Bobonaro Municipal Authority, Paulo Moniz Maia, expressed the community’s satisfaction and gratitude for the project’s benefits, highlighting its impact on mobility, the revitalisation of the local economy, and the improvement of living conditions.

In his remarks, the Prime Minister noted that basic infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, contributes to national development by facilitating the movement of goods, connecting communities, and providing access to services and markets. He also emphasised that improved road connections facilitate the integration of rural areas into economic networks.

The new road directly benefits more than 130,000 residents of the municipality of Bobonaro. It improves access to areas of economic, social, and tourist interest, including Marobo and other parts of the region.

At the end of the ceremony, certificates of appreciation were presented to the companies and teams involved in the project’s execution and supervision.

Vice Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Adérito Hugo da Costa; Secretary of State for Electricity, Water, and Sanitation, Santos Noronha; representatives of the Indonesian and Malaysian embassies; Member of the Parliament, Maria Gorumali Barreto; municipal and local officials; representatives of the Catholic Church; and members of the community also attended the ceremony.

The rehabilitation of the Maliana urban road is part of a series of ongoing projects to strengthen the national road network and support national economic development.

 

On April 17^th, 2026, in Dili, Duílio Marino Gusmão Araújo da Silva was sworn in as Executive Director of the Timor-Leste Investment and Export Promotion Agency, I.P. (TradeInvest Timor-Leste), and Roberto da Costa Cabral Lai was appointed Deputy Executive Director of the same institution for a three-year term, at a ceremony presided over by Vice Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs, Francisco Kalbuadi Lay. 

The ceremony was held at the Office of the Vice Prime Minister and attended by the Chairman of the Civil Service Commission, Agostinho Letêncio de Deus; the Commissioner for Workforce Planning, José Telo Soares Cristóvão; and other guests.

The appointment of the two officials was based on the Council of Ministers’ decision dated April 8^th, 2026, as well as an order from the Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs, which recognises the merit, technical expertise, and years of dedicated service of the new leaders at the institution.

During the ceremony, Francisco Kalbuadi Lay emphasised that the Government’s trust rests on the competence and dedication demonstrated by both appointees in their duties at TradeInvest. He also noted that this moment marks the beginning of a responsibility to the nation, particularly to strengthen the economy and serve the people of Timor-Leste.

“The success of your term in office will be judged by tangible progress in attracting investment, expanding business opportunities, and contributing to the sustainable development of our economy,” said the Vice Prime Minister.

The Minister also urged the new leaders to carry out their duties with a sense of responsibility and commitment, emphasising TradeInvest’s central and strategic role in national development.

The President of the Civil Service Commission called for compliance with the rules and guidelines, emphasising the need to act in line with institutional objectives and the State’s interests.

Before their appointments, Duílio Marino Gusmão Araújo da Silva served as Deputy Executive Director of TradeInvest Timor-Leste, while Roberto da Costa Cabral Lai served as Director of Marketing and External Relations at the same institution.

The new leaders are taking office with the responsibility to strengthen TradeInvest Timor-Leste’s capacity to promote investment and trade opportunities, thereby contributing to the sustainable economic development of Timor-Leste.

On April 18^th, 2026, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito dos Santos Freitas, began a series of working visits to Thailand, Brunei Darussalam, and the Philippines to participate in multilateral meetings and advance the Government’s diplomatic agenda, including the Prime Minister’s participation in regional meetings. 

As part of these visits, the Minister is attending the 82nd Session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), which will be held from April 20^th to 24^th in Bangkok, Thailand. The meeting brings together ministers and representatives from across the region to discuss challenges and opportunities in sustainable development, including employment, population ageing, social inclusion, and economic transformation.

The Minister will then attend the 25th ASEAN–European Union Ministerial Meeting on April 27^th and 28^th in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam, which forms part of the institutional dialogue between the two blocs under the strategic partnership established in 2020. The meeting offers an opportunity to assess the state of cooperation and define joint priorities in areas such as the economy, security, and global challenges.

From May 3^rd to 5^th, Minister Bendito Freitas will accompany Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão on an official visit to Brunei Darussalam. Subsequently, from May 7^th to 9^th, he will also accompany the Head of Government to the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, Philippines, where the region’s Heads of State and Government will discuss strategic guidelines and policy decisions for Southeast Asia.

During a stopover in Singapore on his way to Thailand, the Minister met the new Ambassador of the Republic of Singapore to Timor-Leste, Teo Lay Cheng, to discuss strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation in preparation for future ASEAN chairmanships.

On April 16^th and 17^th, 2026, the Ministry of Transport and Communications held a public consultation workshop in Dili on the Timor-Leste Digital Transformation Strategy 2026–2036, with participation from public entities, the private sector, civil society, and the academic community, to gather input to consolidate the national strategic document. 

The initiative was organised in collaboration with the TIC TIMOR Agency, I.P., the National Communications Authority, and the National Directorate of Infrastructure and Communications, and included technical presentations and group work sessions on the strategy’s key areas of focus.

During the workshop, TIC TIMOR representatives presented a draft strategy outlining a vision for a digitally inclusive country in which technologies serve citizens, institutions, and sustainable economic development. The document sets out a mission to accelerate the national digital transformation, strengthen governance, diversify the economy, develop human capital, and ensure a secure and inclusive digital environment.

The strategic proposal identifies as priority objectives the development of resilient and accessible digital infrastructure throughout the country, the modernisation of public administration through interoperable and citizen-centred digital services, the strengthening of the digital economy and innovation, and the promotion of digital skills and literacy across society.

The main thematic pillars were also presented, including digital governance, the digital economy, digital education and skills, digital health, rural connectivity, cybersecurity, innovation, and entrepreneurship, as well as the regulatory framework for emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence.

At the opening session, the Minister of Transport and Communications emphasised the importance of broad participation in this process, noting that the strategy builds on existing national policies and strengthens alignment with national strategic instruments, including the 2011–2030 Strategic Development Plan and the Program of the 9th Constitutional Government.

The workshop also included group discussion sessions, during which participants analysed the various pillars of the strategy and presented recommendations for its implementation.

This initiative is part of the process of developing Timor-Leste’s Digital Transformation Strategy 2026–2036, the final version of which will be based on the input gathered during the public consultation.

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

On April 16^th, 2026, the Government held the third high-level coordination meeting of the ASEAN Chairmanship National Organising Council (ACNOC) for Timor-Leste in 2029, as part of national preparations to assume leadership of the regional organisation in 2029. 

The meeting was chaired by Vice Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs Francisco Kalbuadi Lay and attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito dos Santos Freitas, in his capacity as Chair of the ACNOC Executive Committee, along with other members of the Government and representatives of public agencies.

The purpose of the meeting was to strengthen coordination among the entities involved in preparing for the ASEAN Chairmanship and to take stock of the work underway under the national coordination mechanism.

During the meeting, Minister Bendito dos Santos Freitas emphasised that the ASEAN Chairmanship is a national strategic priority requiring institutional discipline, operational readiness, and effective coordination across the entire Government. He noted that the ACNOC was established by a Government Resolution approved by the Council of Ministers as the central body responsible for the strategic direction, coordination, and supervision of activities related to this process.

The head of the country’s diplomatic service also highlighted the roles of the ACNOC Executive Committee and the National ASEAN Secretariat in operational management, implementation of decisions, and execution of the approved work plan.

During the proceedings, the need to strengthen inter-ministerial coordination was also emphasised, and it was recommended that focal points be designated within the relevant ministries, in line with their respective areas of responsibility, to ensure the necessary technical preparation.

Vice Prime Minister Francisco Kalbuadi Lay emphasised the importance of this process for Timor-Leste’s standing in the regional context. It reiterated the need for effective and timely coordination among all the institutions involved.

Vice Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Social Affairs Mariano Assanami Sabino, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Jesuína Gomes, and Vice Minister for ASEAN Affairs Milena Rangel, together with other members of the Government and representatives of public agencies, also attended the meeting.

On April 16^th, 2026, Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão met with officials from Timor Resources at the Government Palace in Dili to review developments in onshore oil exploration in Timor-Leste and discuss the transition from exploration to appraisal and development. 

During the meeting, company representatives provided an update on ongoing activities, highlighting the drilling of three onshore wells in the Suai region of the municipality of Covalima as part of the project’s initial phase. The company reported that the work has achieved a high success rate and that activities are underway to evaluate the discoveries.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss Timor Resources’ plans to proceed with developing the identified reserves, including new drilling in areas with potential for oil and gas. The company indicated its intention to continue investing with a view to future energy production in the country.

Christopher Moyes, Executive Director of Timor Resources, said, “Timor Resources has already drilled three onshore wells in Timor-Leste. We are now moving from the exploration phase to the appraisal and development phase. Today we had the opportunity to meet with the Prime Minister and share our enthusiasm for this project. We also requested his support to continue moving forward, to ensure benefits for both our company and Timor-Leste.”

Julie Bishop, Australia’s former Minister for Foreign Affairs and the company’s current adviser; Chris McCown, the project’s Acting General Manager for Operations; and Francisco da Costa Monteiro, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, also attended the meeting.

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.