DILI, 30 june 2021 (TATOLI)–Coordinating Minister Economy Affairs (CMEA), Joaquim Amaral, together with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation (MFAC), Adaljiza Magno launched the National Enhanced Integrated Framework (NEIF) project to develop institutional capacity for trade-related Working Groups to join the World Trade Organization (WTO).
NEIF works in Timor-Leste on economic diversification, including expanding non-oil exports and TL can better participate in the global economy.
“NEIF is a branch of the secretariat of the WTO which is located in Geneva, to help develop the capacity of countries in the process of preparing to join the WTO. This program will provide training for our resources to have good materials and good knowledge to meet the indicative schedule that has been approved by the State of Timor-Leste and become a member of the WTO,” The Minister of Coordinating Minister Economy Affairs, Joaquim Amaral told to TATOLI Agency at City 8, Has-laran-Dili, this wednesday.
The NEIF project will provide training support in trade negotiations and legislation to enable the State of Timor-Leste to liberalize global markets.
“We are preparing to join ASEAN, there are conditions that must be met and there are economic pillars that we must liberalize and harmonize laws and regulations within the regional and global framework,” he explained.
He recalled that last october 1, 2021, TL participated in the first meeting of the working group which was established on December 7, 2016, This working group had previously completed the documents to join the WTO and had received appreciation from members and the secretariat of the organization in Swiss.
The coordinator of the TL technical team for the WTO, Cesar A. Dias Quintas explained, NEIF is a multilateral organization that involves donors from members of the organization to help and capacity to become WTO members.
“We are in preparation to become WTO members, for that they provide training assistance so that later we can meet the requirements,” said Cesar.
NEIF will provide training for a negotiator group of ministerial members consisting of 17 people who are directed directly by MKAE.
“The WTO Secretariat in Genebra informs that TL has fulfilled several requirements. Because they have conducted training and are committed to becoming a member of the WTO,” he said.
Currently TL government is observing by 22 countries to monitor the process of 164 countries joint to WTO. The WTO is an organization that provides trade rules between countries with the aims of ensuring that trade activities run smoothly.
Journalist: José Belarmino de Sá
Editor: Rafy Belo
