On October 17th 2024, the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MCI) held a workshop on the Validation of the National Trade Policy and the Legislative Review of Accession to the Interim Economic Partnership Agreement (iEPA). The event was organised in collaboration with the Pacific Islands Secretariat (PIFS) and the consultancy firm Ernest and Young (EY), with the support of the EU Spirit Project. This workshop is part of the process of Timor-Leste joining the iEPA, an economic partnership between the Pacific Islands and the European Union.

During the event, the Minister of Trade and Industry, Nino Pereira, expressed his appreciation for the participants’ commitment to supporting Timor-Leste’s integration into the global market. 

‘Your presence demonstrates your commitment to the Government of Timor-Leste’s efforts towards broad economic integration, aimed at attracting private investment, diversifying the economy beyond the oil and gas sector, and generating new jobs. We believe that the proactive implementation of this trade policy is essential for East Timor’s sustainable economic development and for achieving the indicators established by the IX Constitutional Government,’ said Minister Nino Pereira.

The Minister also emphasised that this initiative represents a significant phase in the ongoing efforts to consolidate Timor-Leste’s position on the international economic stage. Since joining the Cotonou Agreement, as a member of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and as an executive observer of the Pacific Islands Forum, Timor-Leste has developed concrete actions to strengthen its trade relations.

This workshop is of particular importance to Timor-Leste’s development strategy, which is facing significant advances in the field of regional and global integration, including the implementation of the ASEAN accession roadmap scheduled for 2025.