Government of Timor-Leste

Timor-Leste's Minister of Transport and Communications, Miguel Marques Gonçalves Manetelu, is taking part in the Asia-Pacific Digital Transformation Forum 2025, organized by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in partnership with Japan's Ministry of Finance.   The event takes place from June 24^th to 27^th 2025 at ADB headquarters in Manila, under the theme “Digital Technology for Transformation”, and brings together ministers, representatives of regional bodies, international experts, the private sector and civil society organizations. 

During his speech at the high-level session “Political Dialogue on Digital Bridges”, the Minister highlighted the importance of digital inclusion as an essential vector for sustainable and equitable development. "In Timor-Leste, digital inclusion is not a luxury – it's a necessity.  It's a tool to empower citizens, reduce inequalities and boost sustainable and inclusive growth.  However, we face structural challenges in terms of infrastructure, accessibility and digital literacy," he said. 

 He also mentioned the strategic public investment in the fiber optic submarine cable system (TLSSC), which was launched in 2024 and is about to go into operation. “This project will significantly improve the country's digital connectivity, laying the foundations for technological innovation and strengthening Timor-Leste's integration into the ASEAN digital ecosystem,” he said.   The Minister concluded with an appeal to the participants to “ensure that no one is left behind in building a digital bridge to the future – bridges that connect not only technology, but also people, communities and nations.”  

On the sidelines of the Forum, the Minister held several bilateral meetings with ADB officials, including Vice-President Scott Morris and senior officials from the Transport Division, to discuss the continuation of the strategic partnership in the infrastructure and digitalization sector.   During these meetings, he thanked the government for its support in developing Timor-Leste's public transport system, in particular the National Transport Master Plan, and reiterated the government's commitment to moving forward with Detail Engineering Design (DED) for priority projects.

"We are committed to ensuring that the DED procurement process starts as early as next July, with a view to its completion between March and April 2026.  This strategic investment not only aims to improve mobility, but to boost economic growth, promote territorial cohesion and ensure a more efficient and sustainable public service," he said.

During the meetings, ADB recognized the importance of a modern international airport for Timor-Leste's economic and tourism development and reiterated its commitment to supporting investments that promote regional integration and sustained growth. The institution also welcomed Timor-Leste's full membership of ASEAN, considering the country a strategic partner in the region. 

The Timorese delegation included the Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Transport and Communications, José da Costa, the Executive Director of TIC Timor, Venâncio Pinto, the Chief of Staff of TIC Timor, Merli Sofia Guterres Alves, and the Director of the Information Systems and Applications Development Directorate, Justu Fernandes.  END