The Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, presided over the opening of the Free Balance International Coordination Committee (FISC) Meeting, held on April 7th, 2025, in Dili, with the participation of government representatives from fourteen countries that use the Free Balance Government Resource Planning (GRP) system. The event, which ran until April 9th, aimed to promote the sharing of experiences and innovative solutions for strengthening public finances management. 
Free Balance is an international company specializing in technological solutions for public finance management, which supports governments in implementing planning systems, budget execution and promoting financial transparency.
In his speech, the Head of Government recalled the country’s reconstruction journey since the Restoration of Independence, stressing that “Timor-Leste has been on a path of national construction. We had to raise our country from the ashes.” In this process, he highlighted the decisive role of technology, stating that “our partnership with Free Balance has been fundamental in this journey, providing us with the technological basis to effectively manage our public finances.”
According to the Prime Minister, Free Balance’s GRP system has been an essential tool for institutional consolidation and the promotion of good governance, and has helped to strengthen transparency, accountability and the fight against corruption. “Effective public finance management is not just an administrative function – it is the backbone of our national development strategy,” he said, adding that “Free Balance’s GRP system has contributed significantly to strengthening transparency and accountability in public finance management.” 
Xanana Gusmão also highlighted the direct impact of the real-time information generated by the system, which has allowed for more effective oversight by the National Parliament, civil society and citizens. “I believe that the benefits of a good Public Finance Management (PFM) system go far beyond budget management. They have an impact on all areas of governance and are directly reflected in the lives of our citizens,” he said.
The Chief Executive reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and sustainable development, stressing that the General State Budget for 2025, worth 2.6 billion dollars, was drawn up based on a strategic vision of building a fairer and more prosperous society. “By increasing transparency and strengthening internal controls, the GRP system helps prevent the misuse of public funds and detect irregularities when they occur,” he said.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister also announced the establishment of a permanent Free Balance office in Dili, a decision he believes reflects the strengthening of the partnership with the company and its commitment to Timor-Leste and the Asia-Pacific region. “I am particularly pleased to announce that Free Balance will be establishing a permanent office here in Dili immediately after this FISC meeting,” he said.
Encouraging participants to share ideas and experiences throughout the proceedings, the Prime Minister underlined the fundamental role of the professionals involved in implementing the system. “While the GRP system is a powerful tool, it is the commitment of people like you – dedicated civil servants, technology experts and governance professionals – that ensures its effective use for the benefit of our people,” he concluded. 
The FISC Meeting, organized by the Ministry of Finance in partnership with Free Balance, is a platform for international cooperation in the area of public financial management. Since 2002, Timor-Leste has been using the Free Balance system, and it has evolved from an initial payments module to an integrated architecture that makes it possible to automate budget execution, monitor financial resources and strengthen public accountability. In 2012, the country also launched a transparency portal that allows the public to follow the execution of the General State Budget, strengthening citizens’ trust in governance.