Government of Timor-Leste

Presidency of the Council of Ministers

Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste

Ninth Constitutional Government

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Press Release

Extraordinary Meeting of the Council of Ministers on September 30th, 2024

The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and approved the Draft Law Proposal for the General State Budget (GSB) for 2025, presented by the Minister of Finance, Santina José Rodrigues F. Viegas Cardoso, with a total value of US$2.6 billion for the Central Administration, the Special Administrative Region of Oe-Cússe Ambeno (RAEOA) and Social Security, including the Social Security Reserve Fund. This figure includes an allocation of US$2.07 billion for the Central Administration, US$482 million for Social Security and US$62 million for the RAEOA.

The 2025 GSB Law Proposal continues the strategy of implementing the priorities set out in the Government's Programme under the slogan ‘Investment in strategic infrastructures, strengthening the economy and improving citizens’ well-being’. The proposal is drawn up on the 9th Constitutional Government's Strategic Objectives, aiming to promote the nation's socio-economic development through targeted investment in strategic infrastructures, economic strengthening and initiatives to improve citizens' well-being. The GSB 2025 aims to promote economic development and improve the living conditions of the Timorese population through a clear strategy focused on sustainable economic growth, improving public services and ensuring that the benefits of development reach all citizens.

Regarding strategic infrastructure, US$ 227.3 million has been allocated for constructing, expanding, rehabilitating and maintaining road networks and bridges and implementing natural disaster protection measures to improve connectivity and protect communities from climate change. Allocations are also planned to rehabilitate the Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport and complete the submarine fibre optic cable connecting Timor-Leste to Australia. The expansion of the internal fibre-optic network will enable the supply of high-speed internet throughout the country from 2025. In the electricity sector, the budget significantly increases government subsidies to the public company EDTL, E.P., to improve and expand the continuous electricity supply, especially in rural and remote areas, guaranteeing a more stable and comprehensive service.

In the natural resources sector, the proposal earmarks US$40 million to improve industrial and oil and mineral extraction zones on the country's southern coast, contributing to economic development and strengthening energy security.

In the financial sector, a US$5 million investment is planned in the capitalisation of the Central Bank of Timor-Leste to strengthen the stability and resilience of the national financial system.

The law proposal allocates a significant part of the expenditure, around US$406 million, to support civil society, health, and social services. In human capital development, US$17.2 million is allocated to vocational and technical training programmes and scholarships. Education will also receive US$145.8 million to build new schools, train teachers, and strengthen the education management system.

In health, the budget allocates US$99.2 million to improve the hospital network and health centres across the country and US$14.2 million for purchasing and distributing essential medicines and medical equipment. Regarding social protection, the Mother’s Allowance (Bolsa da Mãe) programme will be strengthened with an increase of more than US$7 million, plus US$2.86 million, to improve pregnant women's and children's health and nutrition. The proposal also includes a transfer of US$124.1 million to the Social Security Budget, an increase of US$37.4 compared to 2024, which reflects the expansion of the Social Security system and the value of the social pension for old age and disability. END