DILI, 09 March 2026 (TATOLI) — The government of Timor-Leste, in partnership with development partners, has launched a validation workshop on the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement (IFDA) aimed at strengthening the country’s investment framework and boosting investor confidence.
The workshop, held Monday in Dili, is part of a trade cooperation program between Timor-Leste and the European Union designed to support investment policy reforms and enhance the country’s integration into regional and global markets.
Deputy Head of Mission of the EU Delegation to Timor-Leste, Christoph Sorg, said the event marks an important step following a self-assessment process conducted to evaluate the country’s readiness to implement the IFDA framework.
He explained that the IFDA is a key initiative under the World Trade Organization aimed at improving the investment climate and facilitating foreign direct investment in developing countries.
“Through greater transparency, more efficient administrative procedures and stronger regulatory cooperation, the agreement seeks to make it easier for investors to establish, operate and expand their businesses while supporting sustainable development,” Sorg said.
According to him, Timor-Leste is among the first countries to carry out a self-assessment of the framework, reflecting the government’s strong commitment to improving the national investment environment.
The initiative also comes as Timor-Leste strengthens its integration into the global economy following its accession to the World Trade Organization and ongoing efforts to join the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Meanwhile, Director of External Relations and Marketing at TradeInvest Timor-Leste, Roberto Lay, said the workshop provides an opportunity for the government to better understand the strengths and challenges of the country’s current investment system.
He also thanked the European Union for providing technical and financial support to the International Trade Centre in conducting assessments on the IFDA and the ASEAN Investment Facilitation Framework.
“This assessment helps us identify reforms that can be implemented domestically and determine which areas require technical support from development partners,” Lay said.
During the three-day workshop, participants will review and validate the findings of a gap assessment to ensure the results accurately reflect Timor-Leste’s legal framework, institutional capacity and priorities for investment reform.
Discussions will focus on several key areas, including transparency in investment policies, simplification of administrative procedures, regulatory coherence, digital governance, local supplier development and sustainable investment.
The workshop also features a presentation by international investment law expert Jansen Calamita from the National University of Singapore, who outlined the objectives of the IFDA and regional investment facilitation frameworks.
Journalist: Cidalia Fátima
Editor: Armandina Moniz
Translation: Filomeno Martins
