The government of Timor-Leste through the Secretary of State for the Promotion of the Private Sector (SEAPRIL) and Heineken Asia Pacific signed a formal investment agreement that will see the establishment of a multi-beverage plant in the country.
Some 1000 new jobs are expected to be created with the set up of Heineken’s multi-beverage plant in Timor-Leste. Construction of the plant will begin soon and is expected to be completed in May 2015. The multi-beverage plant will manufacture a range of drinks including beer, soft drinks and water.
Deputy Prime minister Fernando Lasama de Araujo said after the signing of the agreement that when Timor-Leste developed its Strategic Development Plan 2011-2030, it was noted that the economic sustainability of the country would depend on the private sector.
Vice PM de Araujo is confident that by Heineken investing in the beverage industry in Timor-Leste and establishing a multi-beverage plant that this will provide employment for the youth of Timor-Leste given high levels of unemployment in the country.
“In the agreement we signed with the company it is stipulated it will employ youths.”
Heineken Asia Pacific Regional President Roland Pirmez said the company will invest in the beverage industry and establish a beer manufacturing plant in Timor-Leste. He added that Timor-Leste has a substantially high population and economic growth and is confident this is a sound investment for Heineken. Heineken intends to invest a total of USD$40 Million in Timor-Leste.
“We will work with Timorese people. Timor-Leste demonstrates it can attract foreign investors to come and invest in the country,” said President Pirmez after signing the agreement with the Timor-Leste government at the Ministry of Foreign Affair and Cooperation (MNEK) in Pantai Kelapa, Dili, on 08 January 2015.
The Heineken plant is planned to be built in Hera, in the outskirts of the capital Dili and is scheduled to be operational in May 2015.
Meanwhile the Secretary of State for SEAPRI Veneranda Lemos said young unemployed Timorese will be recruited to undertake training first so they are prepared to work in the beverages industry.
“We will be providing training for them before they start working,” said SE Lemos.
Local Timorese businessman Nilton Gusmao Santos said Heineken’s investment in Timor-Leste represented a positive step to reduce unemployment rates in the country.
“This company is committed to employing Timorese especially youths so this is very positive,” said Santos.
