DILI, 25 october 2024 (TATOLI) – The European Union continues providing key technical support to Timor-Leste for the ASEAN accession through the project “Support to Regional Integration and Trade” project, implemented by the International Trade Centre.
Between 21-24 October, the Cabinet of the Vice-Minister for ASEAN Affairs and the General Directorate for ASEAN, organised a workshop, supported by the European Union (EU), to further advance on the drafting of the Initial Market Access Offers (IMAOs) that Timor-Leste needs to submit to ASEAN to start negotiating the conditions that will apply in terms of trade in services and investment when joining the organization as a Full Member.
During the workshop, the International Trade Centre (ITC) team discussed and provided guidance to the ASEAN technical Working group and Timorese officials on how to continue developing the initial draft documents. The successful conclusion of negotiations on the related ASEAN agreements is a condition for Timor-Leste joining the Organization, which, as indicated by the Government, is considered as a “critical pillar of the Government’s strategy for bringing the country into the global economy”.
The acting General-Director for ASEAN, Ms. Dircea Morato expressed “our sincere appreciation to the European Union for their support to Timor-Leste’s ASEAN accession process, more specifically in the preparation of Timor-Leste market access offers. This reflects our strong collaboration and commitment to secure a prosperous future for Timor-Leste within the ASEAN community”
The representative of the EU, Mr. Christoph Sorg, stressed that the support to the accession to ASEAN will continue because it’s a priority for the Timorese Government and because “joining ASEAN would bring economic growth, but also stability, and would position Timor-Leste in a better position to defend its national interests in the complex globalized world of nowadays”.
The support provided by the EU project implemented by the ITC for the preparation of these offers as well as to the IMAO for trade in goods, includes the engagement of consultants for the preparation and development of initial draft assessments, guidelines and schedules for Timor-Leste, technical support through an embedded national trade expert and logistical support to the meetings.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins