Govt launches construction of the new Lautém Municipal Market
DILI, 31 August 2026 (TATOLI) — Timor-Leste has begun construction of a new municipal market in Lautém, with the Government investing about US$7.2 million to improve trading facilities and boost local economic activity.
The groundbreaking ceremony was held on August 28 in Fuiloro suco, Lospalos, and was presided over by Vice Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for Social Affairs and Minister of Rural Development and Community Housing Mariano Assanami Sabino.
Minister of Commerce and Industry Filipus Nino Pereira and Secretary of State for Cooperatives Arsénio Pereira da Silva also attended the ceremony.
The market, being developed under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, is expected to take two years to complete.
The project is being implemented under the theme “New Market, New Opportunities for Local Economic Development” and is intended to provide better facilities for traders, producers and consumers while supporting economic activity in Lautém municipality.
Sabino said the new market would provide traders with a cleaner, safer and more hygienic environment in which to sell their goods.
He said a stronger commercial sector could help drive economic growth, create jobs and income opportunities, and contribute to poverty reduction.
Sabino also called on local authorities, community leaders, traders and residents to cooperate during construction to help ensure the project meets quality standards and is completed on schedule.
Nino Pereira said the project was part of the IX Constitutional Government’s policy of promoting local economic development through infrastructure that supports commercial activity.
He said the new market would give farmers, producers and vendors safer and healthier conditions to sell their products, while providing greater comfort for consumers.
Lautém Municipal Authority President Mélio de Jesus welcomed the Government’s investment and urged the contractor to maintain construction standards and comply with the agreed conditions and timetable.
He said the market would create better opportunities for farmers, fishermen and traders to sell their products, helping strengthen the local economy and support household incomes.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by members of the National Parliament, local and community authorities, veterans, church representatives, traders, students, teachers, members of the Timor-Leste National Police and other community representatives.
TATOLI
