DILI, 23 April 2025 (TATOLI) – The Government of Timor-Lese, through the meeting of the Council of Ministers, on Wednesday, approved the List of Reservations for Accession to the ASEAN Comprehensive Investment Agreement (ACIA) as part of the negotiation process for Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN.
The approval of the list aimed to ensure Timor-Leste’s compliance with the regional commitments required by ACIA, a treaty that promotes investment liberalization and protection among ASEAN member states.
“By approving its Reservation List, Timor-Leste reaffirms its commitment to creating a stable and attractive environment for foreign investment, while ensuring that margins of flexibility are preserved to protect strategic sectors and support national development,” read a statement.
The list identifies sectors where the state retains the right to impose restrictions or grant preferences to national investors, namely in subsistence agriculture, artisanal fishing, traditional manufacturing and mining, ensuring that adherence to the ACIA does not compromise the country’s economic and social interests.
ACIA is ASEAN’s main economic instrument to realize a free and open investment regime. The ACIA, as one of the economic instruments for realizing regional economic integration, aims to create a liberal, facilitative, transparent, and competitive investment environment in ASEAN.
ACIA was signed by the ASEAN Economic Ministers on 26 February 2009 in Cha-Am, Thailand and has entered into force on 29 March 2012. ACIA involves revision, combination and enhancement of the Framework Agreement on the ASEAN Investment Area (AIA) signed in 1998 and the ASEAN Agreement for the Promotion and Protection of Investments (IGA) signed in 1987.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
