DILI, 07 July 2025 (TATOLI) – The Government of Timor-Leste, together with the National Council of Combatants of National Liberation (CCLN), has officially laid the foundation stone for the Bank of Our Future — a new financial institution that will be built in Colmera, Dili.
The groundbreaking ceremony was led by Vice-Prime Minister and Minister Coordinator for Economic Affairs, as well as Minister of Tourism and Environment, Francisco Kalbuadi Lay. He was joined by the Minister of National Liberation Combatants Affairs, Gil da Costa Monteiro ‘Oan Soru’; Governor of the Central Bank of Timor-Leste, Hélder Lopes; Secretary of State for Land and Property, Jaime Lopes; and President of the National Council of Liberation Combatants, Riak Leman.
At the event, Riak Leman said the bank will play an important role in helping people get access to credit. He explained that once the bank starts operating, it will offer loans to help grow businesses, especially those in the livestock sector.
Leman added that all 27,600 registered veterans give US$30 a month to the National Liberation Combatants Fund, which will help keep the bank running and support its services.
The building of the Bank of Our Future is expected to cost about US$5 million and is planned to be completed within a year.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martin
