DILI, 01 October 2020 (TATOLI)– Timor-Leste joint the first virtual high-level meeting of Global Commercial Organizations (GCO), since Timor-Leste has become an observant of the organisation.
Economic Minister, Joaquim Amaral, said the meeting was productive and the team there is finding a way for Timor-Leste to be more involved in the global commercial organisation.
“The team is currently set an effort to join the organisation,” Minister Joaquim said after the virtual meeting at Government palace.
The team is led by the Portuguese Ambassador at Zenebra with the support from the organisation members.
Mr Amaral is proud to have taken part in this global organisation, and said “We are working on a plan to become a member of the organisation, for us to have a preference in commercial activities because of this we are involved in this multilateral organisation with the total of 164 members,” he said.
The meeting is historical because Timor-Leste had just started the process or the first time as a member of the organisation,” he said.
The government had applied to join the organisation in 2015.
“The team was formed last year; thus, I continue with the work have done by the Ministries and the results are the participation on the meeting today,” he said.
Timor-Leste received all the supports from CGO Secretary in Zenebra through training for the preparation in fulfilling and improving a commercial regime.
“This is important because when we improve our commercial regime, it will help us in the process to accessing to the regional organisation and it is also similar with the effort doing by the government to access to the ASEAN organisation,” Mr Amaral said.
So far, the meeting is participated by the Vice-Minister of Tourism, Trade and Industry, Domingos Lopes Antunes, Vice-Minister of Health Bonifásio Maucoli dos Reis also include relevant entities.
Journalist: Natalino Costa
Editor: Julia Chatarina/Nick Kettle