The project to bring Timor-Leste’s passports in line with international standards is out to tender, according to justice minister Dionisio Babo.
His ministry has instructed the National Development Agency (ADN) to put the project out to tender for international companies to make bids.
The project has received bids from companies in Singapore and Portugal but officials want more bids to come in.
The budget for the project is $1 million.
Member of Parliament Josefa Alvares Soares voiced her support for the initiative but said the government should select the successful bidding company carefully to ensure the passports were of high quality.
“Otherwise we are just wasting money,” she said.
She recommended the government delegate Timorese technicians to work alongside the successful bidder in order to improve the Timorese workers’ skills.
