Timor-Leste launches digital payment system named “TUQR”
DÍLI, 12 September 2026 (TATOLI) – The President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta, accompanied by the Head of Government, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, launched the digital payment system known as “TIMOR-LESTE UNIQUE QR” (TUQR), an initiative of the Central Bank of Timor-Leste (BCTL), as part of the celebrations marking the 15th anniversary of the BCTL, at Timor Plaza.
The introduction of TUQR will help strengthen the financial system, particularly through mobile-based digital payments, making transactions that are currently widely used even easier.
The President of the Republic, J. Ramos-Horta, congratulated the BCTL and expressed his appreciation to all entities that worked together to develop this digital payment system.
The Head of State stressed the need for the digital system to have mechanisms to protect users, as digital technology, while providing greater convenience, can also pose risks to the security of users’ funds.
“I am concerned, for example, about the vendors at Taibessi Market, the children who sell boiled eggs on the streets, and those who sell their products in Loes, Aileu, and Baucau. I often buy their products and, in such situations, I always pay in cash,” the Head of State said.
For this reason, the President called for the creation of an effective customer protection system to prevent criminal acts or situations in which individuals could use technology to steal money from users.
The TUQR launch ceremony was attended by members of the Government, members of the National Parliament, representatives of the private sector, the diplomatic corps and financial institutions, as well as special guests of the BCTL, including the Governor of the Central Bank of Cambodia.
TATOLI
