DILI, 07 April 2026 (TATOLI) — Investors from the United States and the Netherlands met Timor-Leste Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão to discuss economic cooperation, as the government seeks to boost productive sectors and strengthen human capital development.
The discussions took place during a meeting between Prime Minister Gusmão and U.S. investor Peter Thompson and Dutch investor Hendrik Halbe, accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Francisco Kalbuadi Lay.
Vice Prime Minister Lay said the investors will remain in Timor-Leste for about a week to support the development of key economic sectors and strengthen workforce capacity.
“They have a good relationship with the President of the Republic, which is why they had the opportunity to meet with the Prime Minister today,” he told reporters at his office in Farol on Tuesday. “Following guidance from the Head of State and Head of Government, I facilitated this meeting to discuss investment and economic capacity development.”
The meeting also explored the creation of a Timor-Leste–U.S. business forum and addressed shared priorities, including climate change.
U.S. investor Peter Thompson described the talks as productive and strategic, saying the delegation arrived with a clear commitment to supporting the country’s economic development.
Thompson said the government, through the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, had shown strong interest in expanding engagement with international investors, including the possibility of organizing a high-level trade mission to Timor-Leste.
Meanwhile, Dutch investor Hendrik Halbe expressed his institution’s commitment to offer 30 scholarships for Timorese students to study business and entrepreneurship in the Netherlands.
“We want these students to learn business management in Europe and bring that knowledge back to contribute to Timor-Leste’s development,” he said.
Halbe also signaled interest in exploring the establishment of a university in Timor-Leste as part of long-term investment in education, innovation and entrepreneurship.
“I am honored to be part of this investment in the future. We will continue exploring cooperation opportunities with relevant institutions and productive sectors such as agriculture,” he added.
“Before that, we are discussing sending many young people for training in fields such as hospitality and related sectors in the Netherlands. Experts from there may also come to teach here,” he said.
Journalist: Cidalia Fátima
Editor: Armandina Moniz
Tradutor: Camilio de Sousa
