Macao SAR,China,12 june 2026
His Excellency Francisco da Costa Monteiro, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, participated in the 17th International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum & Exhibition (IIICF) and the 12th China-Portuguese-speaking Countries Infrastructure Cooperation Forum, held in Macao from 10 to 12 June 2026.
Minister Monteiro joined the Timor-Leste delegation led by His Excellency Gastão Francisco de Sousa, Minister of Planning and Strategic Investment, and accompanied by His Excellency Júlio do Carmo, Vice Minister for Infrastructure. The forums brought together government representatives, investors, financial institutions, infrastructure companies, and research institutions from more than 70 countries and regions to discuss infrastructure development, investment, technological innovation, and sustainable growth.
During the 12th China-Portuguese-speaking Countries Infrastructure Cooperation Forum, Minister Monteiro participated as a speaker in a panel discussion on new opportunities for cooperation in the context of artificial intelligence. In his intervention, Minister Monteiro highlighted Timor-Leste’s priorities for the development of the petroleum, natural gas, and minerals sectors, and highlighted the importance of strategic infrastructure projects, including the Tasi Mane Project, in supporting the country’s long-term industrialisation and economic diversification agenda.
On the margins of the forums, Minister Monteiro gave a number of interviews to international and regional media outlets, promoting Timor-Leste’s strategic infrastructure and energy development agenda. Minister Monteiro highlighted ongoing efforts to advance key projects in the petroleum, gas, and minerals sectors, as well as opportunities for international investment and cooperation. Minister Monteiro also highlighted that Timor-Leste continues to advance major infrastructure projects and welcomes partnerships that can contribute technology, expertise, and investment to support national development.
Minister Monteiro further emphasised the important role of Macao as a bridge between China and Portuguese-speaking countries, bringing together governments, investors, financial institutions, businesses, and development partners and platforms such as the IIICF create valuable opportunities for Timor-Leste to attract investment, strengthen international partnerships, exchange knowledge, and promote strategic projects that contribute to sustainable economic growth.