Dili, July 7 (AseanAll)  — The President of the Republic of Timor-Leste, J. Ramos-Horta, received a delegation from the Japanese company Tsuneishi Shipbuilding on July 7, 2025 at the Presidential Palace, accompanied by the Ambassador of Japan to Timor-Leste, KIMURA Tetsuya. 

The meeting aimed to present the latest progress in the process of establishing the company’s operations in the country—a strategic project that the Head of State has supported from the beginning.

Ramos-Horta expressed his firm appreciation for the initiative, highlighting its alignment with the national vision for economic diversification and the creation of skilled jobs for Timorese youth.

During the meeting, the delegation highlighted significant progress, namely the hiring of 37 Timorese graduates from the Faculty of Engineering of the National University of Timor-Leste (UNTL), who are already working as naval designers in the company’s Dili office. Furthermore, a specialized technical training program is underway in Japan, through which 21 Timorese workers will undertake a three-year training at the company’s headquarters, contributing to the transfer of skills and technology.

Looking to the future, the company reported that it is conducting feasibility studies for the construction of a shipyard, with the municipality of Manatuto being one of the priority locations under consideration.

The President of the Republic reiterated his unconditional support for the initiative, thanking the Japanese company and the Government of Japan for their commitment to the development of Timor-Leste. President further stressed that projects of this nature are fundamental for promoting a resilient and sustainable economy, opening doors to long-term jobs, and contributing to the strengthening of national human capital.