DILI, 25 September 2025 (TATOLI) – The government has approved four draft resolutions for submission to the National Parliament to meet the requirements of Timor-Leste’s full integration into the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The proposals were presented by the Vice-Minister for ASEAN Affairs, Milena Rangel.
The key instruments include the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA), the First Protocol of Amendment to ATIGA, the Protocol on Trade in Rice and Sugar, and its Addendum.
ATIGA, signed in Thailand in 2009, is the main agreement regulating trade in goods within ASEAN, aiming to remove tariff and non-tariff barriers, strengthen rules of origin, harmonize customs procedures, and build a regional market.
The First Protocol of Amendment, signed in Malaysia in 2015, introduced technical updates and improvements in rules and certification of origin to increase efficiency and transparency in intra-ASEAN trade.
The Protocol on Trade in Rice and Sugar, signed in the Philippines in 2007, and its Addendum, signed in Thailand in 2009, established special rules for these sensitive products to protect food security and support the agricultural sector.
According to a government statement, adherence to these instruments fulfils an economic requirement of the ASEAN Roadmap and will allow Timor-Leste to benefit from regional integration, attract investment, diversify the economy, and strengthen the competitiveness of national industries.
The second instrument is the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services (AFAS), signed in Thailand in 1995, which gradually liberalizes trade in services by removing restrictions, encouraging regional cooperation, and opening economic sectors.
In 2019, the ASEAN Trade in Services Agreement (ATISA) began replacing AFAS by adopting a “negative list” system, expanding regulatory rules, and ensuring greater predictability and transparency.
Timor-Leste will begin adapting to ATISA in 2026 and fully apply the negative list system in 2036, alongside Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam.
The agreement will support Timor-Leste’s integration into regional services trade, enhance competitiveness, attract investment, diversify the economy, and create jobs.
The government also approved the ASEAN Agreement on the Movement of Natural Persons (MNP), signed in Cambodia in 2012, which facilitates the temporary presence of service providers such as business visitors, intra-corporate transferees, and contractual service suppliers.
The MNP sets clear immigration procedures while respecting national sovereignty and protecting domestic labour markets.
It does not apply to unskilled workers and does not grant permanent residency or long-term employment.
Adherence to the MNP will ensure the safe mobility of Timorese service providers, safeguard the labour market, and align migration policies with ASEAN standards of transparency, predictability, and non-discrimination.
Finally, the government approved accession to the ASEAN Comprehensive Investment Agreement (ACIA), adopted in 2009 and in force since 2012, which serves as the bloc’s main framework for liberalizing, facilitating, promoting, and protecting investments.
Between 2014 and 2020, the agreement was updated by four protocols that clarified rules, redefined concepts, and reinforced the principle of non-discrimination.
Each member state submits a Reservation List to protect strategic sectors.
Timor-Leste has included sensitive areas such as land ownership, agriculture, fisheries, mining, industry, and support measures for micro, small, and medium enterprises.
The government said accession to ACIA will strengthen legal certainty, attract foreign investment, diversify the economy, and advance sustainable development while meeting ASEAN Roadmap commitments.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
