Dili, July 27, 2026 (Media Democracia) – The Association to Build the Future Light for Timor (AHFNT) holds a National Seminar discussing the importance of human capital development for the future of Timor-Leste.
At the seminar, speakers emphasized the role of education, civic training, and job creation to prepare a qualified human resource base that can contribute to national development.
AHFNT’s Executive Director, Hermínio Sanhes, said that investment in human capital is an important factor to sustain Timor-Leste’s development. According to him, besides investing in the economic sector, the Government and partners also need to continue investing in education, health, and infrastructure, because these areas can provide direct benefits to the people and contribute to the country’s progress.
“Investment in human capital is extremely important. Not only in the economic area, but also in education, health, and infrastructure that can provide direct benefits to the people. Because of that, we must pay great attention to the quality of education. Besides formal education, it is also important to strengthen non-formal education and extracurricular activities, so that young people continue to develop their knowledge and skills. Right now, Timor-Leste needs to prepare qualified human resources to be able to respond to labor market needs and employment opportunities for young people.” said Hermínio Sanhes to journalists on Thursday (23/07/2026).
According to Madre Guilhermina Marçal, Timor-Leste’s economy is currently still mostly controlled by foreign investors and businesspeople, especially from China. She considers this situation a major concern, because Timorese participation in the economic sector is still limited.
“The wheels of Timor-Leste’s economy are still mostly in the hands of foreign investors, especially from China. We can see that most construction projects and big shops are run by them. Strategic locations are also occupied by foreign businesspeople. This is a big concern for me. If Timorese youth don’t prepare themselves and don’t rise to compete, in the future we could end up just being spectators in our own country. I am very worried about Timor-Leste’s future and I want to see Timorese become the protagonists in economic development.” said Madre Guilhermina Marçal.
She also stressed that Timor-Leste has great potential in the agriculture sector, because the land is fertile and suitable for growing various kinds of food crops and fruits. But until now, that potential hasn’t been maximized.
“Our big challenge is that we haven’t yet invested in and properly used the resources we have. Timor-Leste is fertile and can produce various kinds of food and fruit with good results. If we invest in and seriously develop the agriculture sector, we can boost the local economy and reduce dependence on foreigners. But right now, many strategic places and opportunities are occupied by foreign businesspeople.” she explained.
The Vice-Minister of Commerce and Industry, Agostu Júnior Trindade, said that the presence of Chinese investors in Timor-Leste doesn’t mean they have come to dominate or control the country’s economy. He said Timor-Leste’s economy must continue to be based on the values and principles of self-determination, with the national private sector as the main driver of economic development.
He explained that it is important for Timorese entrepreneurs to continue to increase their knowledge, capacity, and skills in order to compete in a free market. At the same time, the Government also has a responsibility to support and strengthen the private sector to create a sustainable economy.
“The presence of China in Timor-Leste isn’t to take over or dominate our economy. We must strengthen our values and principles of self-determination. Because of that, the Government needs to reinforce knowledge and skills for the private sector so they can compete well in a free market.” said Agostu Júnior Trindade.
He also emphasized that currently the Government is giving high priority to the development of the blue economy, because Timor-Leste has very great potential in marine resources. But until now, those resources have not been maximized and aren’t yet managed in a sustainable way.
Report By: Trainees Joanita and Fizania
Photo: Trainee Joanita