Timor-Leste, China move ahead with waterfront rehabilitation project ahead of ASEAN Chairmanship
DÍLI, 04 August 2026 (TATOLI) — Timor-Leste and China signed an implementation agreement on Monday to begin the rehabilitation of Dili’s waterfront and the construction of a Chinese-style garden near the Presidential Palace, clearing the way for two Chinese-funded infrastructure projects scheduled to start in October.
The agreement was signed in Dili, by Vice Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs and Minister of Tourism and Environment Francisco Kalbuadi Lay and Chinese Ambassador Wang Wenli.
Kalbuadi Lay said the projects had entered the implementation phase after technical studies, engineering designs and site surveys were completed through close cooperation between teams from Timor-Leste and China.
“This project began about three years ago with the preparation of the design and technical studies supported by the Chinese Government. The technical teams of Timor-Leste and China worked together to complete this preparation phase, and we expect construction to begin in October,” he said.
The waterfront rehabilitation will cover the coastal area between the former Malaysian Embassy and the Farol Lighthouse. The project is designed to strengthen coastal protection, improve environmental conservation and upgrade one of Dili’s most prominent public spaces.
Construction is expected to begin in October 2026 once preparatory work is completed. According to the Chinese side, both the waterfront rehabilitation and the Chinese-style garden are expected to be completed in 2028, ahead of Timor-Leste’s ASEAN chairmanship in 2029.
Kalbuadi Lay said the redevelopment would create a more attractive and accessible public space for residents and visitors while enhancing recreational facilities, particularly for young people.
“The rehabilitation of the waterfront will enhance the area and create more attractive public spaces, particularly for young people, providing better facilities for recreation and social activities,” he said.
Ambassador Wenli said the projects reflected the enduring friendship and practical cooperation between China and Timor-Leste.
“I am very pleased that we are signing the implementation agreement for these projects with the Government of Timor-Leste. We believe they will benefit the Timorese people,” she said.
Monday’s signing follows an exchange of letters between the two governments in December 2025 that formalized China’s commitment to finance both the waterfront rehabilitation and the construction of the Chinese-style garden.
The earlier agreement was also signed by Wang and Kalbuadi Lay in the presence of Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão.
TATOLI
