DILI, 28 november 2024 (TATOLI) – The Minister of Transport and Communications, Miguel Marques Gonçalves Manetelu, led a national delegation on important official engagements in Vietnam and Malaysia, to strengthen international cooperation and represent Timor-Leste in strategic discussions in the areas of transport and digital technology.
On november 19, 2024, the Minister took part in the opening of the Vietnam International Digital Week, held in Ha Long. This event brought together government leaders, experts and companies to discuss advances in digital transformation, with an emphasis on the application of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and 5G.
During the ministerial roundtable, Minister Manetelu addressed Timor-Leste’s progress and challenges in digitizing public services, emphasizing that the country has already started implementing virtual assistance, even though it faces limitations in telecommunications infrastructure and human resources training.
In his speech, Minister Manetelu highlighted the importance of the completion of the submarine fiber optic cable, scheduled for early 2025, as an essential milestone for increasing connectivity and boosting technological innovation in the country.
The national delegation, made up of representatives from the National Communications Authority (ANC), ICT Timor and the National Directorate of Information and Communication (DNIC), also took part in thematic meetings on digital policies, connectivity and practical applications of artificial intelligence. During these sessions, opportunities were explored to attract investment and establish strategic partnerships that can accelerate Timor-Leste’s digital transformation.
Minister Miguel Manetelu also held a bilateral meeting with the Vietnamese Minister of Information and Communications, Nguyen Manh Hung, where he reaffirmed the importance of cooperation between the two countries. The Vietnamese Minister presented relevant initiatives in the areas of digital transformation, digital economy and telecommunications, and reiterated Vietnam’s commitment to supporting Timor-Leste, including the granting of annual scholarships for Timorese students at Vietnamese universities. The two sides also agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding in December 2024 that will strengthen collaboration in the information and communication sector.
After the activities in Vietnam, the Minister traveled to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to participate in the 30th ASEAN Transport Ministers Meeting on november 21 and 22. This event, considered the most important high-level forum for the transport sector in the region, brought together ministers from ASEAN member and partner countries to discuss policies and strategies aimed at strengthening regional connectivity, improving transport safety and harmonizing infrastructure and regulations.
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