DILI, 11 February 2025 (TATOLI) – WTO Deputy Director-General, Ambassador Xiangchen Zhang, encourages Timor-Leste to make full use of WTO post-accession support, including accession implementation strategies, technical assistance, capacity-building, and policy advice.
Ambassador Zhang made the comments during the high-level workshop on WTO Post-Accession of Timor-Leste with the theme: “Maximizing benefits from WTO membership and creating greater synergies with regional integration as a pathway to achieve Timor-Leste’s 2030 development goal” at the Dili Convention Center (CCD) in Dili on Monday.
“As Timor-Leste moves forward in its post-accession phase, I strongly encourage the government, private sector, and all stakeholders to make full use of the WTO’s technical assistance and capacity-building programs,” said Zhang
He said the WTO’s post-accession support is designed to help new WTO members integrate effectively into the trading system, “ensuring that they can implement WTO commitments in ways that support their broader economic and development goals, whether in the areas of trade facilitation, agricultural policy, services trade, or intellectual property protection.”
Zhang therefore said that the WTO Secretary is ready to help Timor-Leste navigate the next phase of its economic transformation.
During the meeting, Zhang also reiterated the importance of Timor-Leste’s accession to the organization, as it offers the country a crucial platform to deepen its engagement with the global economy.
Zhang also highlighted the importance of digital trade for Timor-Leste, as it will help the country increase trade by connecting local businesses with businesses around the world: “Digital trade has potential for Timor-Leste. In an era where technology is reshaping global commerce, investing in digital infrastructure and e-commerce capabilities can provide new pathways for economic diversification and job creation in Timor-Leste.”
He said that the post-accession period, forging strategic partnerships, will be key to success. “I encourage Timor-Leste to strengthen collaboration with international institutions, development partners, and WTO members, particularly within the Asia-Pacific region. Many developing economies have faced similar post-accession challenges, and there is much to learn from their experiences.”
Zhang stressed that WTO remains committed to supporting Timor-Leste, adding Trade is a tool to improve living standards, create employment, and foster economic growth.
“Timor-Leste’s success as a WTO member will be measured not only by increased trade volume but also by the tangible benefits that improve the lives of the Timorese people,” Zhang concluded.
WTO accession is a tool for domestic reforms and integration of the acceded members into the rules-based global economy. The realization of the benefits from the membership critically depends on sustained domestic reforms, including the implementation of WTO obligations and accession-specific commitments, according to WTO.
Accession implementation strategies are plans to help countries implement their commitments after joining an organization like the World Trade Organization (WTO). These strategies can include improving infrastructure, developing human resources, and creating policy frameworks.
In addition, the WTO’s trade-related technical assistance (TRTA) activities aim to help developing countries build their trade capacity so that they can participate more effectively in global trade.
Timor-Leste joined the WTO on 30 August, 2024 as its 166th member, after seven and a half years of negotiating its accession terms with WTO members. It is the 11th least-developed country (LDC) to accede to the WTO since the organization’s establishment in 1995.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
