On September 9, Minister of Trade and Industry, Filipus Nino Pereira,  at the opening of the workshop on the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) and the Standard Operating Procedure for Rules of Origin, highlighted that the initiative represents an essential step towards strengthening Timor-Leste’s integration into regional and global markets, within the framework of the process of full accession to ASEAN.

The three-day event, held at City 8 Hall in Dili, represents a significant step forward in national efforts to align Timor-Leste with ASEAN trade mechanisms and deepen understanding of procedures related to Rules of Origin under ATIGA. “This workshop comes at a crucial moment in Timor-Leste’s journey toward ASEAN membership, with the aim of strengthening integration into regional and global markets as we continue our journey toward ASEAN membership,” said the Minister.

At the opening session, Japan’s Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Tetsuya Kimura, emphasized that the event “demonstrates Timor-Leste’s commitment to creating an environment that facilitates trade and investment and prepares the private sector for more active participation in ASEAN economic cooperation.” The Indonesian Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Okto Dorinus Manik, also stressed that investment in the economic and trade sectors is crucial for regional integration.

The ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement, in force since 2010, aims to ensure the free flow of goods between member states, reduce tariffs and taxes on imported goods, lower costs for businesses, expand trade, and create economies of scale. The agreement evolved from the 1992 CEPT program and is one of the central pillars of ASEAN economic integration. It is currently being updated to better respond to regional and global trade dynamics.

Under ATIGA, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand have eliminated 99.65% of customs tariffs on intra-ASEAN trade, while Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam have reduced 98.86% of tariffs to levels between 0% and 5%. The current focus is on eliminating non-tariff barriers, such as technical and sanitary regulations, in order to further stimulate regional competitiveness.

In preparing to fully comply with the provisions of the agreement, Timor-Leste reinforces its determination to integrate a regional single market, deepen economic ties, and create a more favorable environment for investment and trade, for the benefit of national development and the well-being of its people.