DILI, 10 June 2026 (TATOLI) – President of the Republic, Jose Ramos-Horta lauded a historic milestone for Timor-Leste’s industrial sector during a welcoming ceremony for new Timorese employees joining Tsuneishi Timor Shipbuilding.
Originating from the President’s strategic diplomatic dialogues with Japanese officials, what initially began as a modest vision for local ship maintenance has remarkably evolved into a massive international shipbuilding hub.
Commending the world-renowned Japanese enterprise for its transformative investment, the Head of State pledged to act as the shipyard’s global ambassador, committing to personally promote Timorese-built vessels to international buyers across the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America during his upcoming diplomatic missions.
Emphasizing the urgent need to sustain such monumental foreign investments, the President issued a strong directive to the government to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles and accelerate economic reforms.
President Ramos-Horta urged the Ministry of Finance and relevant state institutions to rapidly implement 10 to 15-year tax incentives and finalize crucial supporting infrastructure, notably the Laleia solar energy project.
He underscored that delivering affordable, renewable energy and establishing competitive economic policies are absolutely vital to ensuring the shipyard’s commercial viability and securing thousands of high-quality jobs for the Timorese people.
Addressing the young citizens preparing for advanced training in Japan, President Ramos-Horta reminded them that their discipline, hard work, and respect for their host country’s culture make them vital goodwill ambassadors for the nation.
The Head of State highlighted the profound economic power of Timorese working overseas, noting that their remittances totaling over $200 million last year, provide a more direct and effective lifeline to local families than traditional international aid.
The President reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to expanding these international labor and industrial partnerships, viewing them as the cornerstone of Timor-Leste’s future economic resilience and prosperity.
TATOLI
