DILI, 28 march, 2023 (TATOLI)- The United States (U.S) through the United States for International Development Agency (USAID) handed over a feasibility study of the transformation of Dili port become a tourism site to the government of Timor-Leste.
U.S. Chargé d’Affaires, Tom Daley said U.S. efforts to support Timor-Leste by providing a feasibility study on Dili Waterfront development expected to boost Tourism Public Private Partnership will focus on New Investment around Old Dili Port.
“As Dili’s crown jewel with stunning views of Ataúro Island, Dili Port presents an immense opportunity to create economic value and advance development, and I am grateful for U.S support for our work to revitalize the port. ,” U.S Chargé d’Affaires Tom Daley said on his remarks in Dili Port, this Tuesday.
He added that the private sector is a crucial partner in Timor-Leste’s development, and the United States has supported the government of Timor-Leste to develop its tourism sector by showcasing its cultural heritage and pristine natural environment.
The Minister of Finance, Rui Gomes said it is a great moment for Timor-Leste officially received a feasibility study from USAID. A core project component is to stimulate private investment and foster long-term sustainability in support of national economic growth and diversification objectives.
He added that the feasibility study designed multifunction completions, comprising restaurants, bars, coffee, supermarket, hotel, sports venue, and others which can be collected great revenue in the future with an estimated about 150 million USD every year.
Thus, this project also will be deployed over 15.000 workers. This tourist site will be attracted over 200.000 international tourists to visit Dili port in the future.
Gomes explained that the project of transforming Dili port become a tourism site will be responsible for Public, Private, and Partnership (PPP), however, it is in coordination with International Financial Cooperation (IFC).
“The government continues working on efforts to more learning of a feasibility study to ensure the process of this rehabilitation project should be launched in a short time,” he said.
USAID through Tourism For All Project designed this feasibility study in 2019 and concluded it in 2022 and officially handed it over to the government on 28 March 2023.
This project will be cost estimated at over 100 million USD, which is included in the cost of the feasibility study project.
It is known that since 2000 USAID has provided over $323 million in assistance to Timor-Leste helping build an inclusive, sustainable economy by expanding economic opportunities for women and youth, strengthening the private sector in key growth sectors, and enabling an environment for private sector growth.
Journalist: José Belarmino De Sá
Editor: Nelia B.
