Work on a Chinese project to bring digital television to Timor-Leste has begun, Xinhua reports.

The Chinese government-run news agency says a ceremony marking the start of work was attended by Timor-Leste officials and Chinese Ambassador to Timor-Leste Xiao Jianguo.

The report quotes Mr Xiao as saying digital television will enrich the cultural life of the people of Timor-Leste.

Two Chinese entities, the National Engineering Laboratory for DTV (Beijing) and Potevio Group Corp., are in charge of the work, the report says.

Mr Xiao hopes that in bringing digital television to Timor-Leste, the contractors will let the government there learn about Chinese standards, use Chinese technology and learn from Chinese experience, Xinhua says.