Dili, 14 August 2026 (Iklik.info) – Pelican Paradise is challenging a Government of Timor-Leste resolution ordering the return of land allocated for investment projects in Tasi Tolu and Tibar, and is asking the Government to respect the Special Investment Agreement signed with the State on 3 January 2022. The company says the agreement cannot be annulled simply by Government resolution because it creates contractual obligations for both parties.
In a press release obtained by Iklik.info, Pelican Paradise said it had taken note of the resolution issued by the Government concerning its investment project in Tasi Tolu and Tibar. “We strongly disagree with the characterisation that this matter can simply be resolved by a Government resolution ordering the return of the investment land,” the company said in a statement cited on Iklik.info’s official Facebook page on Friday.
Pelican Paradise entered into a formal and binding Special Investment Agreement with the State of Timor-Leste on 3 January 2022. That agreement established obligations for both parties.
A contractual relationship cannot be reduced to a Government decision concerning one party’s performance while disregarding the obligations undertaken by the other. Pelican Paradise says it has spent approximately 18 years working with successive governments of Timor-Leste to develop this project.
“During that period, we invested significant financial resources, undertook planning and design, completed substantial preparatory works and commenced construction activities,” the statement said.
The project has faced significant delays, including issues related to infrastructure and other obligations that were the responsibility of the State under the investment framework. These concerns have been repeatedly raised with the relevant authorities over many years.
It is therefore inaccurate to portray Pelican Paradise simply as an investor that failed to deliver. There are two sides to every contractual commitment, and the obligations of the investor cannot be considered separately from the obligations of the State.
Pelican Paradise respects the Government of Timor-Leste and the authority of its institutions. However, respect for government authority must go hand in hand with respect for the rule of law, contractual certainty and good faith.
The Government itself has previously recognised the Special Investment Agreement as the legal framework governing this investment. The agreement was formally signed by representatives of the State and Pelican Paradise and was publicly described at the time as an important step forward for the project.
“We therefore believe that the public deserves a complete and balanced account of what has happened over the past 18 years, including the obligations undertaken by both parties and the reasons why the project experienced delays,” the statement said.
Pelican Paradise will continue to rely on the facts, the documentary record and the agreements entered into with the State. The company said it will not respond with personal attacks or political rhetoric.
Pelican Paradise’s commitment to Timor-Leste has been unwavering. What is at stake is a much broader principle: when a State enters into a binding investment agreement, investors must be able to trust that the commitments made by the State will be respected.
That principle matters not only to Pelican Paradise but to every domestic and international investor considering Timor-Leste as a place to invest. Pelican Paradise remains committed to Timor-Leste and to resolving this matter fairly, transparently and in accordance with the commitments made by both parties.
Journalist: David da Costa
