DILI (TOP) - Timor-Leste's government has launched an international convention development project in preparation for hosting the ASEAN Summit in 2029.
Timor-Leste officially became an ASEAN member at the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in October 2025.
The laying of the foundation stone for the International Convention Centre (ICC) was attended by distinguished guests such as Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles, two former Indonesian Foreign Ministers Hassan Wirayuda and his wife and Marty Natalegawa and his wife, members of the Government, members of the National Parliament, and diplomatic corps.
In official interventions, national and regional leaders underlined that the ICC project represents the State's commitment to strengthen infrastructure development, promote regional integration and prepare Timor-Leste to assume the ASEAN Presidency in 2029.
Prime Minister (PM), Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão considers the launch of the construction of the Timor-Leste International Convention Center (ICC) as a symbol of national development to prepare for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in 2029.
The Prime Minister expressed this consideration at the launch ceremony of the construction together with the President of the Republic (PR), José Ramos-Horta, ASEAN Secretary General, Kao Kim Hourn and important guests, at the Port of Dili, Wednesday, May 20, 2026.
"In September 2024, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim come here and we talk about Timor-Leste's accession to ASEAN. We talk about the possibility of assuming the presidency in the future. Here in this place we were launched this vision to build an international convention center to accept regional responsibility in the future," PM Xanana said.
At the same time, the ASEAN Secretariat together with the member countries expressed their full willingness to give maximum support to TL's preparation to assume responsibility in the future.
The ASEAN Secretary General, Kao Kim Hourn congratulated the Government and people of TL for initiating this important project.
Kao Kim Hourn considered the ceremony not only a milestone in infrastructure development, but also a reflection of TL's continuous commitment to national development, international development and regional integration.
The International Convention Center will be a platform for dialogue, partnership, regional integration and he believes it will be a landmark for international cooperation and engagement.
"I also hope that this project will support Timor-Leste's long-term development aspirations and strengthen the foundations for sustainable growth, broader opportunities and greater regional connectivity".
In his observation, this project reflects TL's vision for the future and commitment to deeper ASEAN involvement.
The project will be responsible by the Vice-Prime-Minister and Minister Coordinator for Economic Affairs and Minister of Tourism and Environment, Francisco Kalbuadi Lay and members of the Government under his tutelage.
The construction of the project is executed by an international company from China, Shaanxi Construction Engineering Group Corporation Limited Premium Project which will run for two years and will be completed on May 20, 2028.
Participate in the launch of the construction were representatives of the Government of Indonesia and the Government of Australia as well as members of the IX Constitutional Government, members of the National Parliament and other important guests and civil servants.
