Dutch brewer Heineken has announced plans to build a multi-beverage facility in Timor-Leste, which will see an investment of up to $45m in the south-east Asian country.
The company and East Timor government have signed an agreement to this effect, reports AFP.
Construction on the proposed plant will commence this year. The plant is expected to create around 200 direct and 800 indirect jobs, the news agency reported.
Upon completion, the facility will be capable of producing a wide range of drinks including beer, soft drinks and water, according to Heineken's Asia-Pacific headquarters in Singapore.
Earlier in June 2014, Heineken announced plans to open a new brewery in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in a move to expand its presence in Africa, The Wall Street Journal reported.
Heineken Africa and the Middle East Operations president Siep Hiemstra was then quoted by The Wall Street Journal as saying that the company could not cater to Addis Ababa from its existing two breweries in the region.
"So this will strengthen our position in the country," added Hiemstra.
Heineken is also planning to source 60% of the raw materials such as barley and cassava that are used to produce beer, locally, by 2020.
Image: Heineken is engaged in brewing and selling beer worldwide. Photo: courtesy of Heineken N.V.
