DILI, 27 february 2024 (TATOLI) – The United States is pleased to congratulate Timor-Leste on its accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO).
“We applaud Timor-Leste‘s persistence and acknowledge the tremendous achievement of successfully completing all required processes and negotiations in record time – just over seven years,” U.S. Embassy Dili Chargé d’Affaires, Marc Weinstock said in a statement.
The U.S. Government has consistently supported the Government of Timor-Leste’s bid to join the WTO on many fronts, including through key USAID activities, notably the USAID Trade Governance Activity, assisting the Timorese Customs Authority to modernize its trade system to conform with international standards. USAID support has also enhanced transparency through initiatives such as the Customs-Trade Portal.
“The United States congratulates Timor-Leste on joining the WTO, a milestone on its path to becoming a more strategic global partner,” said Weinstock.
“Timor-Leste’s accession to the WTO is a testament to its dedication and perseverance. USAID stands alongside Timor-Leste, supporting its journey towards a more open, connected, and prosperous future,” added USAID Interim Mission Director, Mark White.
The U.S. Government, through USAID, will continue to provide technical assistance and capacity building for the Customs Authority post-accession by supporting the Customs Code amendment to comply with the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement and by establishing the National Enquiry Point.
USAID has also supported the development of four WTO-driven bills to advance Timor-Leste’s autonomous telecommunications landscape. The development of telecommunication laws is critical to Timor-Leste’s ability to attract ICT-related investment as well as to accommodate the expansion of ICT-driven services.
On monday (26/02), at the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC13,) in Abu Dhabi, Ministers approve WTO membership of Comoros and Timor-Leste.
The respective governments said the ceremony marked a historic day for both least-developed countries (LDCs) and a significant step in their quest to accelerate economic and political reforms.
“Trade ministers unanimously welcomed both WTO membership deals, which were approved at the MC13 opening ceremony attended by President Azali Assoumani of Comoros and President José Ramos-Horta of Timor-Leste,” reported WTO.
In her address to ministers, WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala paid special tribute to the governments of both countries for “this historic achievement” and for having undertaken an extensive program of domestic reforms to accelerate economic growth despite very challenging circumstances.
Timor-Leste has been granted WTO observer status since 2016, and the country keeps working to take another step towards fulfilling the membership terms to become a full member of the organization.
Timor-Leste submitted its application for accession to the WTO in november 2016 as part of a broader national trade strategy to integrate the country further into the world economy to promote economic growth and development.
Timor-Leste’s WTO accession process started on december 7, 2006, through the establishment of the Working Group.
The World Trade Organisation (WTO) is the only international organization that regulates international trade activities.
WTO was founded in 1995 and its existence is based on an agreement whose objective is to help producers of goods, exporters, and importers in each of the member countries to carry out their commercial activities in accordance with international rules, guaranteeing security and transparency.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
