The 9th Constitutional Government, led by Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, celebrated the first year of its mandate on July 1st, 2024. Throughout this period, the Government has conducted a series of initiatives and measures to lay the necessary foundations for a transformative programme aimed at promoting sustainable social and economic development for the benefit of all Timorese. Committed to correcting irregularities and implementing structural reforms, the Government reiterates its commitment to continue working tirelessly to build a prosperous and equitable future for Timor-Leste.
The first months in office were marked by an intense marathon preparing the Government Programme, which was unanimously supported by the National Parliament, as well as drawing up the Amending Budget for 2023 and the General State Budget for 2024, essential documents for laying the foundations for a transformative programme.
One of the highlights of the last year was Timor-Leste’s accession to the World Trade Organisation (WTO), formalised by Vice Prime Minister Francisco Kalbuadi Lay in February during the WTO’s 13th ministerial conference in Abu Dhabi. This accession marks a significant step forward in liberalising trade, integrating into the global economy, facilitating access to international markets, and boosting national economic reforms.
Timor-Leste also continues the path towards ASEAN membership, with several members of the Government regularly attending the organisation’s meetings, including the 43rd ASEAN Summit. This year, it received a visit from ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn, and the TL IMPACT programme was launched to coordinate internal efforts and to ensure compliance with ASEAN standards and regulations in various areas, from economics and trade to social and cultural policies.
Regarding security, the 9th Constitutional Government implemented important measures, such as the reinstatement of 158 police officers from the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL), who had been irregularly retired, and the approval of a new Police Statute and a new PNTL Organic Law. These laws introduced significant changes, such as the reintroduction of the oath of allegiance and the definition of objective promotion criteria, intending to modernise and restructure the institution, boosting its capacity to respond to national challenges. In addition, an “Institutional Pledge of Honour” ceremony was held, where members of the defence and security forces pledged to disassociate themselves from political organisations and martial arts groups, reinforcing the discipline, integrity and neutrality essential to the credibility and effectiveness of the defence and security institutions.
The 9th government carried out a fundamental restructuring in the petroleum and mineral resources sector to support the country’s development. Legislation relating to key entities such as Timor Gap, the National Petroleum Authority, the National Minerals Authority, the public company Murak Rai, and the Institute of Petroleum and Geology was approved. Agreements were also approved for onshore mineral and gas exploration.
The development of Greater Sunrise is a strategic priority for Timor-Leste. Recently, the Prime Minister appointed Agio Pereira, Minister for the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, as an interlocutor in discussions with Steve Bracks, Australia’s Special Representative for this crucial project. This initiative aims to ensure effective and coordinated negotiation management to maximise Timor-Leste’s benefits in developing this vital energy resource.
The 9th Constitutional Government is conducting wide-ranging structural reforms, most notably the ongoing reform of the justice sector, coordinated by former minister Lúcia Lobato. This initiative has already resulted in the creation of an action plan, the approval of a new regime for the Centre for Legal and Judicial Training (CFJJ) ‘s training activities, and the signing of cooperation protocols with Portuguese law schools to train future magistrates and public defenders, among other legal careers.
The Government also reformed the Special Administrative Region of Oe-Cússe Ambeno (RAEOA) and the Special Social Market Economy Zones of Timor-Leste (ZEESM), which included amending Law No. 3/2014 and appointing Rogério Tiago de Fátima Lobato as President of the RAEOA Authority. It also established an Executive Committee to implement a Special Economic Zone in Oe-Cússe Ambeno.
In education, the Government has been working with the main objective of promoting efficient and equitable human resource management in the national education system to guarantee the quality and continuity of teaching throughout the country. The actions undertaken include recruitment and other actions for career access, as well as the efficient management of current resources within the framework of school staffing. A pool of candidates was created as part of the recruitment competition, which allows the Ministry of Education to allocate human resources quickly and efficiently, according to the specific needs of the schools.
The Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Culture achieved a significant milestone with the approval of the Higher Education Framework Law. This legislation represents a significant step forward for the sector, outlining a specific structure to resolve pressing challenges and strengthen the quality of higher education in Timor-Leste. Among the main measures are the introduction of Higher Technical-Vocational Courses (CTePS – acronym in Portuguese), the standardisation of bachelor’s and master’s degree cycles, and the authorisation of distance learning, adapting to contemporary educational needs and the lessons learned during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Joint programmes were launched with development partners, including the National Technical Working Group for Early Childhood Development and the purchase of Specialised Nutritious Foods to fight malnutrition.
The Government promoted monthly increases in social pensions for invalidity and old age in the non-contributory social security system. The rates of selective consumption tax and customs duties on imports, which had been brutally increased in 2023, were also adjusted.
The submarine fibre optic cable linking Timor-Leste to Darwin in Australia was recently installed, another important milestone that promises to transform the country’s digital infrastructure and boost economic development.
Today, Timor-Leste is progressing in developing its infrastructure, with several key projects underway and planned throughout the country. At the same time, the Government approved the first amendment to the law governing the Infrastructure Fund, which aims to improve the administrative efficiency of the Major Projects Secretariat.
Timor-Leste’s Blue Economy Policy is being prepared, and the Prime Minister took part in the Forum of Archipelagic and Island States 2023 and the “Our Ocean” Conference. The National Programme “Ha’u Nia Tasi, Ha’u Nia Timor” (My Sea, My Timor) was also launched.
The Samoa Agreement, an important agreement signed with the European Union, established common principles and priority areas for cooperation between the parties.
In the fight against corruption, Timor-Leste is also celebrating the improvement of seven positions in the Corruption Perception Index.
The 9th Constitutional Government reaffirms its commitment to continue working for the sustainable development and well-being of the Timorese, building a prosperous and equitable future for all citizens.