A revered figure in Timor-Leste, Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão symbolizes stability and continuity. Known for his profound understanding of the nation’s challenges and as a staunch advocate for its sovereignty, Gusmão is now focused on bolstering Timor-Leste’s regional and international relationships, including bilateral and economic ties with the UAE.

Q: How would you like your country to be perceived by the United Arab Emirates and international investors?   

I hope the UAE and international investors see Timor-Leste as a land of opportunity. A nation with a youthful and optimistic population.

Timor-Leste is a safe, stable, nation open for investment in our electricity, infrastructure, building, tourism, and petroleum sectors. 

The United Arab Emirates has shown a deep commitment to aiding communities like ours in their development. Timor-Leste would welcome investment focused on enhancing our people’s skills, digital literacy, and livelihoods. We hope President José Ramos Horta’s recent meeting with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, will foster further beneficial collaboration.

Q: Which opportunities are you keen to highlight to investors?

Infrastructure is the backbone of our country’s productive sectors. If we want economic and social development, we must build and maintain a wide range of basic infrastructure that supports health, education, agriculture, people’s mobility, industry, the private sector, and the general well-being of our people.

Investing in infrastructure is about creating conditions for job creation and income generation which are essential for national stability and growth.

I believe that membership of the WTO and full membership of ASEAN will provide foreign companies and investors with the confidence and security to invest in our country. It will lead to more collaboration with member states contributing to a bright future for Timor-Leste.

Equally important is the Greater Sunrise gas and condensate fields project. Timor-Leste will further develop the oil and gas industry in the years ahead to bring significant funds into the country. This extra income will prove crucial in developing emerging sectors such as tourism. 

We recognize the need for more assistance, particularly regarding educational opportunities. Our young people are very adaptable and would welcome the opportunity to study in the UAE. Educational exchanges can help bridge gaps and foster international cooperation, enhancing the overall development of our nation. 

We want to diversify our economy. Since independence in 2002, Timor-Leste has been highly dependent on the oil and gas industry. However, with revenue from oil set to decline over the next decade, we have made economic diversification a priority and focused on developing a “blue economy”. We want to harness the economic benefits of marine-based tourism while preserving the ecological integrity of our pristine marine ecosystems and rich biodiversity. We were given these tremendous natural resources, so, we must become the stewards of these marine assets and preserve them for future generations.

Q: Returning for a third term, you have chosen national service over retirement. How can the United Arab Emirates assist Timor-Leste in its development goals, and what specific areas of cooperation do you envision? 

I would like the support of the United Arab Emirates to help train our people, in Timor-Leste and in the UAE, so that they can apply new skills for the benefit of the nation.