The Government of Timor-Leste has concluded the first day of a two-day visit between the Government and delegates from the World Trade Organisation Accession team.

The WTO delegation has come to Timor-Leste to discuss Timor-Leste’s application to be member of WTO.

According to the Minister of Planning and Strategic Investment, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, “Accession to WTO is in line with the Government’s plans to strengthen and grow the economy through strategic investments in potential sectors. WTO membership is also another important step to cementing our sovereignty.”

The Minister of State, Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs, and Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Eng. Estanislau da Silva, said “Joining the WTO is critical to ensuring that Timor-Leste can diversify its economy in commerce, industry and agriculture for exports and access to markets. This is important to create jobs and improve the well being of the population. We need investments to increase exports in all sectors and WTO membership will greatly facilitate export of Timorese goods and services as well as trade with other countries.”

The Minister of Commerce, Industry and Environment, Constâncio da Conceição Pinto, said “I am happy to receive the mission and concretely work towards the accession process.”