EMG-MRT Ilimanu, Lda., Murak Rai Timor, E.P. (MRT) and VICO Construction Pte Ltd signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Dili on 28 August 2026, marking an important step in the development and international promotion of Timor-Leste’s natural stone industry.
The signing ceremony was held at the Marina Square Sales Gallery in Dili and was attended by around 40 guests from government, public institutions, the private sector, development partners and the media.
Among the distinguished guests were President Rafael of the National Minerals Authority (ANM), together with representatives from ANM, TradeInvest Timor-Leste, IGTL, WBG, IGEADI, media organizations and other institutions. Their participation reflected broad interest in the development of Timor-Leste’s emerging stone industry and its potential contribution to investment, local industry and international market development.
The cooperation focuses on two connected initiatives: the proposed use and supply of Ilimanu marble for the Marina Square development, and the establishment of the Singapore Timor-Leste Stone Promotion Center as an overseas platform for introducing Timor-Leste natural stone to regional and international markets.
Ilimanu Marble for Marina Square
Under the cooperation framework, EMG-MRT will provide marble samples, product information, finishing options and technical support for consideration in suitable areas of Marina Square.
Potential applications include flooring, wall cladding, lobby areas, staircases, bathrooms, countertops, exterior paving, landscape applications and other architectural stone products. Specific products, quantities, specifications, prices and delivery arrangements will be determined separately through future commercial agreements.
Marina Square is expected to serve as an important local demonstration of how a natural resource from Timor-Leste can be processed and applied in a high-quality commercial development.
VICO Construction plays an important role in this cooperation as both a shareholder and the main contractor of Marina Square. VICO is a Singapore-incorporated construction company and is ranked by Singapore’s Building and Construction Authority as a Grade A1 contractor and Class 1 General Builder. Marina Square is also included in VICO’s overseas project portfolio.
Singapore Timor-Leste Stone Promotion Center
The three parties will also work toward the establishment of the Singapore Timor-Leste Stone Promotion Center, intended to become a practical and commercially focused platform for presenting Timor-Leste stone to the Singapore and wider ASEAN markets.
The proposed Center may include natural-stone samples, product catalogues, material libraries, technical information, digital presentations and project displays, while providing a meeting point for architects, designers, developers, contractors, distributors, investors and other industry partners.
Importantly, the Center is intended to promote Timor-Leste stone more broadly, rather than being limited only to EMG-MRT’s Ilimanu marble.
From Local Resources to International Markets
Speaking at the event, Victor Lei, Chairman & CEO of EMG-MRT Ilimanu, Lda., emphasized the importance of first demonstrating Timor-Leste stone through successful local applications before expanding into international markets.
“Before we talk about exporting Timor-Leste stone to the world, we should first demonstrate its quality here in Timor-Leste. Marina Square can become an important local reference, while Singapore can become a gateway to ASEAN and international markets.”
Mr. Lei also acknowledged EMG and MRT as the two shareholders of EMG-MRT, whose partnership provides the foundation for the Ilimanu Marble Project, and expressed appreciation to VICO for its cooperation in connecting the project with Marina Square and the Singapore market.
The cooperation reflects EMG-MRT’s broader objective of developing an integrated stone industry in Timor-Leste—moving beyond resource extraction toward local processing, project application, design, trade, export and downstream industrial development.
The strategic pathway is:
ILIMANU MARBLE → MARINA SQUARE → SINGAPORE → ASEAN & INTERNATIONAL MARKETS
Following the signing, the parties will proceed with material selection and technical coordination for Marina Square, preparation of samples and promotional materials, and further development of the Singapore promotion platform.
EMG-MRT expressed its appreciation to ANM, TradeInvest Timor-Leste, IGTL, WBG, IGEADI, the media, participating institutions, shareholders, partners and guests for their presence and support at this important milestone.
EMG-MRT Ilimanu, Lda. will continue working with its shareholders, government institutions and international partners to support the development of a sustainable, value-added and internationally connected stone industry for Timor-Leste.
