In this exclusive interview, TIMOR GAP outlines its critical role in shaping Timor-Leste’s energy strategy. From advancing the Greater Sunrise project to unlocking marginal fields and expanding service capabilities, the company is positioning itself as a cornerstone of national development. The discussion highlights TIMOR GAP’s strategic priorities, its commitment to regional partnerships, and why early investment in Timor-Leste’s petroleum sector offers long-term advantages. As a state-backed company with a growing international presence, TIMOR GAP invites partners to join its journey of energy transformation.
What role will TIMOR GAP play in shaping Timor-Leste’s future energy strategy?
TIMOR GAP is the business arm of the state in the oil and gas sector. Naturally, it plays an important role in contributing to development—both by generating revenue and by creating opportunities for the Timorese people to be part of this process.
Through increased participation and national ownership, the oil and gas sector can have a major impact on the country’s socio-economic development. As the sector grows, we believe this impact will also continue to expand.
What are TIMOR GAP’s key strategic priorities for 2025 and the years ahead?
Our priority for this year is to reach a clear and viable concept for the Greater Sunrise project—one of our flagship priorities. In parallel, we aim to unlock the potential of marginal fields such as Chuditch and Kuda Tasi and Jahal by working with our partners to complete all the necessary pre-development work.
Looking beyond 2025, our long-term goal is to see Greater Sunrise developed with a pipeline that brings gas onshore to Timor-Leste. This supports the downstream development strategy currently being led by the Ministry of Petroleum & Mineral Resources.
We also want to expand our service portfolio—helicopter services, vessel support, seismic work, and drilling are already underway. Our ambition is to strengthen these capabilities through partnerships with regional players, positioning ourselves as a long-term service leader in Timor-Leste’s oil and gas sector.
How does TIMOR GAP envision strengthening ties with regional partners following the forum?
The forum is a key moment where we can bring potential partners together. It creates a space for networking and dialogue, which we will follow up with continued communication based on mutual interest.
We want to ensure that regional and international partners give more attention to Timor-Leste’s petroleum sector. Our goal is for them to understand the country’s potential and to support it with investment, know-how, and specialised technologies.
As a developing country in this sector, it’s vital for TIMOR GAP to maintain these contacts and build strong business relationships that will support the industry’s growth.
What would you say to investors and energy companies evaluating Timor-Leste as a market? What should they consider?
Timor-Leste has great potential. It’s a country with a very welcoming and investor-friendly environment. We already have a few successful projects running and international players present—and we are eager to welcome more.
From a business perspective, those who come early will have more opportunities to succeed and potentially expand into neighbouring countries as well.
