DILI, 16 december 2024 (TATOLI) – The Government of Timor-Leste approved Timor-Leste’s initial proposal for accession to the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services (AFAS), the ASEAN Trade in Services Agreement (ATISA), and the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA), as part of the process of negotiating Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN.
The proposals were presented by the Vice-Minister for ASEAN Affairs, Milena Maria da Costa Rangel.
“The proposed modalities outline the guiding principles for the negotiations, considering Timor-Leste’s context. Among the objectives is the progressive fulfillment of commitments to liberalize goods and services, in line with ASEAN standards but with due flexibility, to ensure that the obligations assumed are proportionate to Timor-Leste’s current level of development and its institutional capacities,” said in a statement.
This framework aims to balance regional integration and safeguard national strategic and economic interests, promoting sustainable growth and competitiveness in the country’s production and services sectors.
TATOLI