DILI, 11 December 2025 (TATOLI) – Japan has committed fresh support to Timor-Leste’s infrastructure development through a new Economic and Social Development Programme, formalized in a signing ceremony at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation.
Ambassador of Japan to Timor-Leste KIMURA Tetsuya and the Minister for Foreign Affairs Bendito dos Santos Freitas signed the Exchange of Notes, Agreed Minutes, and Record of Discussion for the project. Julio do Carmo, Vice-Minister for Infrastructure, also attended the event.
Under the new grant aid initiative, Japan will provide 440 million Japanese Yen—equivalent to over US$3 million—through JICA to procure essential heavy machinery, including road cutters and road stabilizers. The equipment aims to expand the operational capacity of the Institute for Equipment Management and Infrastructure Development Support (IGEADI).
The machinery will strengthen disaster preparedness and response by enabling more swift and effective interventions.
It will also support road construction pilot projects, which are expected to improve road quality, enhance national accessibility, and promote long-term economic growth.
Ambassador Kimura emphasized Japan’s commitment to Timor-Leste’s development priorities.
“As Prime Minister Gusmão highlighted during his visit to Japan, infrastructure is the engine of national development,” he said. “Building upon this agreement, Japan is committed to further strengthening cooperation, not only in infrastructure and disaster management, but also in health, education, industry, agriculture, and more. We believe in Timor-Leste’s bright future and will support its journey towards greater prosperity.”
The project continues Japan’s long-standing cooperation with Timor-Leste in the area of heavy machinery. Equipment used during Japan’s International Peace Cooperation Operations from 2002 to 2004 was handed over to Timor-Leste and is still used by IGEADI today, supported by maintenance training from the Japanese NGO JDRAC. Last year, Japan delivered an additional 26 units of heavy machinery to the country.
Japan said the signing marks another step toward supporting Timor-Leste’s vision of a connected, resilient, and prosperous society, reaffirming its commitment to accompany the nation on its path to sustainable development.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
