Dili, Presidential Palace Nicolau Lobato – 4 June 2025
President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta, met with the Minister of Planning and Strategic Investment, Eng. Gastão Francisco de Sousa, to review national infrastructure development and discuss the 2025 General State Budget allocation for infrastructure.
This marks their second meeting on the matter, with a particular emphasis on the use of the Petroleum Fund, project execution capacity, and the current status of procurement processes. The President expressed keen interest in understanding how infrastructure funds, including loans, are being allocated.
Minister Gastão reported that over 1,300 projects fall under the Infrastructure Fund, with 77 having completed procurement and 99 still in process. He emphasized development in border regions—from Batugade to Suai—focusing on roads, health facilities, schools, and markets.
The Minister also underlined the role of the Administrative Council for the Infrastructure Fund (CAFI), stressing that the 2025 budget execution must align with approved programs and plans. Preparations for ASEAN accession, particularly investment in critical infrastructure like airports, were also addressed.
Regarding the Pelican Paradise project, Minister Gastão stated that an inter-ministerial group continues to evaluate the proposal, though no final decision has been reached.