DILI, 15 April 2026 (TATOLI) — The Council of Ministers has approved a draft Government Resolution establishing the formation and responsibilities of the negotiating team for Timor-Leste’s accession to the World Trade Organisation’s (WTO) Government Procurement Agreement (GPA).
The resolution was presented by Vice Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs Francisco Kalbuadi Lay.
“The purpose of this Government Resolution is to ensure a coordinated and technically sound response to Timor-Leste’s commitment in connection with its accession to the WTO by establishing an interministerial structure responsible for leading the GPA accession negotiation process. This agreement promotes transparency, fair competition, and non-discrimination in public procurement,” Government said in a sttatement.
The newly established Negotiation Team comprises representatives from various ministries and public agencies, ensuring a coordinated approach across the public administration.
“The structure is led by a Chief Negotiator, responsible for conducting the negotiations—a role held by the Vice Prime Minister, in his capacity as the Government member responsible for the Coordination of Economic Affairs, or a representative designated by him,” read the statement. “The representative must possess extensive, proven technical expertise in public procurement and international trade, and be supported by a dedicated technical coordination team.”
The team is responsible for preparing the negotiation strategy, analysing the impact of accession on the national legal and institutional framework, drafting the market access offer, and ensuring coordination with public entities, the private sector, and other relevant partners.
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