DILI (TOP) - Vice-Prime-Minister for Economic Affairs, and Minister of Tourism and Environment, Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, has held a budget presentation for 2027 in the Budget Review Committee (KRO) will concentrate on the preparation of elections and the International Convention Center (ICC) it has started in the Port of Dili.
Budget Review Committee (BRC) held at the Ministry of Finance building on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, Vice-PM presented priorities, programs and relevant budgetary needs to the economic affairs and tourism, with the objective to ensure that the budget allocation for 2027 responds to national development priorities and contributes to the development of the economy. ICC and Timor-Leste's preparation to host the ASEAN Summit to be held in 2029.
The discussion at BRC also focused on programs and activities that have a direct impact on the development of the economy, investment, tourism and the environment, including the Government's efforts to increase productivity, promote investment and create economic opportunities for the people.
The Vice-PM in his presentation was accompanied by the leaders of the relevant institutions, who contributed with technical information and program priorities of the institutions.
The budget review process is important from the preparation of the 2027 General State Budget, to ensure the efficient and transparent use of public resources with the Government's priorities.
In the presentation, Vice-PM saw that budget planning must be oriented to concrete results and positive impact on national development.
In the discussion of the Government Priority Plan (GPP) 8, the 2027 State Budget Policy Review Committee, Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, Deputy Prime Minister for Social Affairs and Rural Development, Mariano Assanami Sabino, and members of the Policy Review Committee considered the 2027 budget for the ICC is a strategic investment in the future of Timor-Leste.
GPP discussion narrative
Thus, in the narrative discussion of GPP 8, Vice-Prime-Minister, said, the Government prioritizes sustainability and investment for ICC and ASEAN summit 2029.
“As we all know, Timor-Leste will host the ASEAN regional summit in 2029. This is not only an opportunity to host international events with dignity, prestige and national pride, but also an opportunity to promote Timor-Leste, develop tourism and MICE (Meeting Incentive), Cooperation and Diversification and accelerate job creation Therefore, the infrastructure that we prepare must have international standards, sustainable and can benefit the country in the long term,” Vice-PM justified.
The government allocated US$360,000,000 for the construction of the ICC. Of this amount, US$278,141,098.42 for construction and US$13,119,104.17 for design, BoQ and consulting, for a total of US$291,260,202.59. Of this amount, there will be a balance of US$68,739,797.41.
This balance must be managed with prudence, transparency and efficiency, giving priority to activities that directly support ICC preparedness and sustainability.
From this balance, Vise-PM and Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs proposes priority;
- Management and operation of ICC, proposes US$13,000,000 for complementary activities: US$2,000,000 for promotion and marketing; US$2,000,000 acquisition of two recreational vessels, each with a capacity of up to 25 passengers; and US$ 9,000,000 for hospitality, hotel, tour guide, protocol, capacity development and ICC management training.
There is also an additional US$3,000,000 for IP11, according to government needs and priorities (whether or not allocated in this budget).
- Also proposes a joint budget: US$38,800,000 to the Ministry of Tourism and Environment for priority programs 2027–2030, including sustainable tourism, MICE, blue and green economy, destination development, international promotion, MSME support and job creation. With this approach, ICC can be a catalyst for the tourism sector and the private sector, not function alone.
- With money that will not be used for the construction of ICC and complementary activities amounting to US$ 13,939,797.41. proposes to allocate to other national priority programs that deserve allocation, according to the needs, strategic priorities and fiscal availability of the State.
The ICC should be seen as a strategic investment in Timor-Leste's future. We established the ICC to host the 2029 ASEAN presidency with dignity, but we must ensure that after 2029, it continues to attract events, promote tourism, create jobs, support the private sector and contribute to economic diversification.
“Our goal is not just to build buildings, but to create economic opportunities. This public investment must be transformed into jobs, business, tourism, revenue and a sustainable future for the people of Timor-Leste,” Vice-PM said during the BRC 2027 meeting.
General Coordinator of Economic Affairs, Jorge Martins also reinforced that, Government Priority Policy Number 8 focuses on the pressures and needs of national policies that have not been allocated in the General State Budget.
Jorge Martins explained that, in the coming years, Timor-Leste will face important electoral processes, including Presidential Elections, Parliamentary Elections, municipal elections and village elections. Therefore, the Government needs to prepare and ensure the budgetary needs of the institutions that have direct responsibility in the electoral process.
GPP 8 also considers priority events and activities that have not yet received budget allocation. During the discussion, it was decided that STAE and MNEK will return to make adjustments to their budget proposal, before the final approval process.
For the Ministry Coordinator of Economic Affairs, the main discussion included the cost and financial needs related to the construction of the International Convention Center (ICC).
Jorge said, the Government has approved an increase in the construction budget of ICC, including construction, design and consulting services. This amount includes the allocation of US$200 million that the Government has approved for the construction of the ICC.
“This approval means that ICC will stand by our commitment that, on May 20, 2028, we will have an infrastructure that can facilitate maximum returns from tourism, infrastructure and other complementary activities,” said Jorge Martins.
According to him, the ICC is not just an infrastructure to host international events. The Government sees ICC as an economic instrument that can manage direct and indirect returns to the State.
Timor-Leste will officially begin construction of the new International Convention Center (ICC) on 20 May 2026, in the old port area along Dili Bay. It was built by China's Shaanxi Construction Engineering Group Corporation, and is scheduled to be completed on May 20, 2028 for use at the 2029 ASEAN summit.
