The Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) is the only development partnership dedicated to supporting Least Developed Countries (LDCs) to use trade as an engine to enhance growth, sustainable development and poverty reduction. In a partnership of 54 countries, the Enhanced Integrated Framework also aims to improve the reputation faced by the poorest countries, including Timor-Leste, notably in the form of trade restrictions.

This virtual roundtable, held on May 5th, 2021, and organized by the Executive Secretariat of the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) was a technical meeting to listen to the Government of Timor-Leste’s commitment, already established through the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs (MCAE), Eng. Joaquim Amaral, and the representative of the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF), on March 18th, 2021. The purpose of this Memorandum is to provide technical support, including a financial support in the total amount of USD$ 300,000.00, for a period of two years, from 2021 to 2022.

This first virtual roundtable also had the participation of around 35 countries, and also served to hear the progress achieved by these countries. Timor-Leste received compliments and a good appreciation from the EIF Executive Secretariat, in Geneva, Switzerland, for the progress achieved in the implementation phase of the EIF project in Timor-Leste, although the country is facing the spread of the Coronavirus outbreak and is in a state of calamity, caused by the natural disaster of April 4th, 2021.

“The virtual roundtable is a routine meeting with the other member countries, to also hear their views on the progress already achieved. Timor-Leste remains ready and willing to listen to these recommendations, so that we can improve from now on,” said the Timorese representative of the Office of the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs to the EIF, Cesar Dias Quintas.

The Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Government of Timor-Leste and the EIF greatly deepens the willingness of Timor-Leste regarding the EIF project called “INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY BUILDING FOR TIMOR-LESTE’S WTO ACCESSION AND TRADE INTEGRATION”. It also includes the creation of the “Timor-Leste Aid for Trade Unit” (TLAfTU)”, focused mainly on the process of Timor-Leste’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO).

“The EIF Project will greatly assist Timor-Leste in the trade area, particularly in the process of Timor-Leste’s accession to the WTO, which will take place in December 2021, according to the roadmap announced by the WTO Secretariat in Geneva, added Timor-Leste’s focal point for the EIF, Cesar Dias Quintas.

 The unique contribution of the EIF’s work is to invest in trade, seeking development, encouraging the country to take ownership of its own projects, acting as honest broker, financing at scale, working with vulnerable economies and exchanging knowledge with their innovation.