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Timor-Leste's $120 million Xanana Gusmão International Airport and a $550 million highway remain largely unused, resulting in minimal local job creation. The infrastructure was built for the anticipated Greater Sunrise oil and gas project, which has not materialized.

Despite the government's investment in these projects, local leaders express disappointment over the lack of economic benefits. The Greater Sunrise field, valued at up to $50 billion, remains undeveloped due to ongoing debates over resource nationalism and commercial viability, with future LNG production potentially starting by 2032-2035.