DILI, 30 March 2026 (TATOLI) — Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, together with Nilton Gusmão, CEO of Esperansa Timor-Oan (ETO), on Monday laid the foundation stone for the US$13 million to US$15 million industrial park development project in Manatutu municipality.
The project, financed and spearheaded by local firm Esperansa Timor-Oan (ETO), will be built in Manatuto municipality as part of the government’s wider strategy to diversify the economy and boost domestic production.
Nilton Gusmão, CEO of Esperansa Timor-Oan (ETO), said the project aims to boost industrial development, create job opportunities, and reduce Timor-Leste’s reliance on imported goods.
The industrial park will include five production units covering box manufacturing, metal structures, canned sardine processing, a slaughterhouse and meat processing facility, and a rice milling plant.
The construction phase is expected to generate between 150 and 200 jobs, while operations could create 600 to 700 direct jobs and more than 1,000 indirect jobs.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Commerce and Industry, Nino Pereira said the project would help translate the government’s vision of economic diversification and job creation into concrete outcomes.
He added that the industrial park would go beyond physical infrastructure, serving as a symbol of the country’s capacity to innovate, expand domestic production and reduce reliance on imports.
Pereira said such investments would help prepare Timor-Leste for full integration into the Association of Southeast Asian Nations economic community.
The project is expected to strengthen local production, particularly in agriculture, fisheries and livestock, while promoting the processing of raw materials within the country and building more integrated value chains. It would also contribute to food security, reduce import costs and improve the competitiveness of the national economy.
The investment aligns with national development priorities and supports Timor-Leste’s strategy to integrate into ASEAN, while reinforcing the role of the private sector as a driver of economic growth.
The choice of Manatuto reflects efforts to decentralize economic activity, promote regional development and expand opportunities beyond the capital.
The event was attended by government officials, municipal authorities, private sector representatives and development partners.
Journalist: Arminda Fonseca
Editor: Filomeno Martins
