FEC

Promote Autonomous Nation-Building in the Peace

—– Timor-Leste, which became independent in 2002, is the first independent country of this century and the newest country in Asia. How was the Timorese struggle for independence?

The Portuguese dictatorship was overthrown by a coup d’état in 1974. An independent movement then intensified in its colony, East Timor, and FRETILIN declared independence from Portugal in November 1975, while Indonesian military forces crossed the border from West Timor. However, Indonesia declared the annexation of East Timor, so the struggle for East Timor’s independence continued for 24 years. In 1999, the United Nations organized a national referendum, and those in favor of independence accounted for the majority. The United Nations established a transitional government organization and proceeded with the nation-building for independence. UN peacekeeping operations (PKO) began in 2002, and the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste regained its independence in May 2002, and governing authority was transferred from the United Nations. Independence was achieved by strong national unity and international support, including Japan. The UN PKO, in which the Japan Self-Defense Forces also worked, continued until 2012.

—– After independence, what kind of country building are you working on?

Timor-Leste established the constitution before independence, with the support of the United Nations. After independence, presidential and parliamentary elections are conducted on the basis of multiparty systems. The foremost achievements after independence are peace and strengthened stability. Normalization of diplomatic ties with Indonesia was also advanced. The integration of government agencies and development of legal systems are incomplete, and consolidation of state institution is a big challenge. Prime Minister Gusmão had conversations with citizens all over the country, and established a ‘Strategic Development Plan (SDP)’ in 2011. The SDP’s efforts are in line with the UN’s ‘Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)’, and reflect the people’s desire. We promote industrial diversification and aim to be included among high-ranking middle-income countries by 2030. We promote nation-building focused on development of basic infrastructure, and improvement of social services such as education, health and hygiene.

—– What are the challenges in economic development?

Timor-Leste aims to diversify industries, growing out of an oil and natural gas-dependent economy. Government funds accumulated in the oil fund is used for industrial diversification and promotion of social development. The focused fields are basic infrastructure such as roads, bridges, ports, and industries such as coffee, organic products, fisheries and tourism sector. In addition, in the aspect of the implementation of the economic development policy, it is important that people actually feel involved, and we need to improve basic education and strengthen social sectors that promote women’s social participation. Two and half years ago we established a ‘Special Economic Zone (SEZ)’ that will be a social market-economy model. We aim to attract foreign investment and promote the development of an export-oriented manufacturing industry, such as for textiles, and tourism, through public-private partnership concept. It is urgent that the legal infrastructure and basic infrastructure are developed and established.

—– How do you see the recent development of Timor-Leste and Japan relations? As Ambassador to Japan, what is your priority mission for further strengthening the bilateral ties?

I have been lucky to share a good relationship between Japan and Timor-Leste since I was appointed Ambassador. I appreciate Japan’s strategic support in many fields, such as infrastructure, agriculture, human resource building, and social services. Human and cultural exchanges are also active. My challenge is to encourage Japanese private sectors to invest in Timor-Leste. I discuss investment promotion methods and target fields with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, JETRO, and Chambers of Commerce and Industry in various places, but it is also necessary to improve the investment environment in Timor-Leste. I would like to start with fisheries, agriculture and tourism. The clean beaches of Timor-Leste is the one of the best places for diving, and has a charm for tourism that differs from that of Bali.

—– In 2011, Timor-Leste submitted an application to join ASEAN. What kind of efforts do you continue to implement for membership?

Since 1975 we have been officially announcing that we will join ASEAN in the future. The challenge in joining ASEAN is to consolidate the structure, such as policies and human resources. Timor-Leste promotes nation-building not only to be a member of ASEAN, but also to be able to contribute to ASEAN. Although political unrest continued in recent years, the coalition government secured a majority of seats in the General Election in May. If the political situation stabilizes and the new Administration’s efforts in various issues move ahead, a positive impact on the challenge to join is expected.

(Interview by Shu Tamaru, FEC Counsellor)