DILI, 21 june 2024 (TATOLI) – Minister of Planning and Strategic Investment, Gastão Francisco de Sousa, attended the 15th International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum, in Macau from 19-21 june.
Gastão de Souza highlighted that the event aimed to discuss and explore innovative approaches to investment and infrastructure construction, saying that Timor-Leste is at a crucial moment in its development journey.
“Our Strategic Development Plan (SDP) 2011-2030 outlines the roadmap for transforming Timor-Leste into an upper-middle income country by 2030. This comprehensive plan is built around three main pillars, social capital, economic development, and infrastructure development,” Minister Sousa said in his speech.
According to Sousa, the government recognizes that building modern, efficient, and resilient infrastructure is essential for the country’s development, as it “facilitates trade, attracts investment, increases connectivity and improves the quality of life of the people”.
He said therefore, Timor-Leste’s infrastructure priorities, in line with the SDP, include the improvement of road, sea, and air transport systems, with the main projects including the Díli-Ainaro road corridor, the modernization of international airports and the development of new seaports.”
The minister also said that “sustainable energy solutions need to be developed to ensure reliable and affordable energy for all: “The government’s goal is to increase renewable energy capacity to 50% by 2030, with a focus on solar, wind and hydroelectric energy.”
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
