DILI, 20 november 2023 (TATOLI) – The Japanese company Tsuneishi Shipbuilding is preparing a feasibility study to open a shipbuilding industry in Manatuto municipality, Timor-Leste.
Representatives of Tsuneishi Shipbuilding, accompanied by Japan’s Ambassador to Timor, Tetsuya Kimura, today presented to the Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, Tsuneishi Shipbuilding’s plan to carry out a feasibility study for the opening of a shipbuilding industry in Manatuto.
“They have observed several potential sites and found two or three suitable sites to open the shipbuilding industry. They will carry out the feasibility study to identify the best location for the industry,” said Prime Minister Gurmsão after the meeting with the Tsuneishi Shipbuilding representative, in Dili.
Gusmão said that the company’s decision to build the industry will depend on the feasibility study.
Meanwhile, Japanese Ambassador to Timor-Leste Tetsuya Kimura said that the meeting with Prime Minister Gusmão was very important to discuss important steps for the project.
“Tsuneishi Shipbuilding is going to carry out a feasibility study in Manatuto, so the support and authorization of the government is necessary,” said Ambassador Kimura.
On september 6, Tsuneishi Shipbuilding also held a meeting with TradeInvest Timor-Leste. Tsuneishi Shipbuilding and TradeInvest jointly carried out a site survey and identified the Laleia Administrative Post and Sau in the city of Manatuto as the potential sites for the project.
The company required 970 square kilometers of land to build the industry and hoped to produce 10 to 12 ships a year.
The investment plan is expected to create more than 4,000 job opportunities for young local Timorese.
Journalist: Camilo de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
