DILI, 22 october 2024 (TATOLI) – On monday, at a Trade Talk event held at Timor Plaza, the Embassy of the United States of America, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), reaffirmed its commitment to helping Timor-Leste make trade faster, simpler, and fairer by supporting the Customs Authority (CA) to introduce the National Enquiry Point (NEP), a new online system designed to connect Timor-Leste’s private sector directly with customs offices.
The NEP is a platform for businesses to submit questions to the CA and receive written responses directly from customs officials. Accessible online through the Customs Trade Portal, it is offered free of charge, providing businesses with an easy and efficient way to resolve their trade-related inquiries.
The NEP allows users to ask technical questions related to customs procedures and receive prompt, written responses without navigating multiple offices or personnel. This service simplifies communication and aims to reduce delays, boost business confidence, and foster stronger trade relationships, resulting in improved transparency and efficiency within the customs system.
At the Trade Talk event, USAID welcomed newly appointed Commissioner of the Customs Authority Joanico Pinto and strongly supported his transformative vision to modernize customs and streamline trade processes in the country. “We look forward to working closely with Commissioner Pinto as he leads efforts to enhance trade facilitation, contributing to the economic growth and global competitiveness of Timor-Leste,” said USAID’s General Development Office Director Jazmian D. Allen.
USAID’s ongoing partnership with Timor-Leste’s CA is part of a broader effort to foster sustainable economic growth and development in the country and region. USAID assistance helps Timor-Leste achieve its trade facilitation goals and drives economic diversification efforts. Through initiatives like the NEP, USAID is helping to build a more resilient, transparent, and inclusive trade environment, ensuring that businesses of all sizes can engage with global markets more easily.
Since Timor-Leste’s independence, USAID has contributed more than US$323 million in development assistance, fostering inclusive and peaceful development for a more prosperous, healthy, and self-reliant nation.
Journalist: Jose Belarmino de Sa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
