Government submits Protocol of Accession and Instrument of Acceptance to the Fisheries Subsidies Agreement to the World Trade Organization « Government of Timor-Leste

The Government of Timor-Leste announced that it had submitted its Protocol of Accession and its Instrument of Acceptance of the Fisheries Subsidies Agreement to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Geneva, Switzerland on July 22, 2024. This historic milestone paves the way for Timor-Leste to become a full member of the WTO on August 30, 2024.

It has been given full powers by Prime Minister Kay Rala and WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

This report is the culmination of a national effort involving several government entities, in particular the Inter-Ministerial Committee for Timor-Leste’s Accession to the WTO, the National Assembly led by Fernanda Rei, the President of the Republic, Dr. José Ramos-Horta, and a dedicated technical team from various ministries and autonomous institutions.

Timor-Leste first applied for WTO membership in April 2015 and on 7 December 2016, the WTO General Council established a working group to consider Timor-Leste’s candidacy in accordance with Article 12 of the WTO Marrakesh Agreement.

Deputy Prime Minister Francisco Calbuadi Rey, speaking on behalf of the 9th Constitutional Government, expressed deep gratitude to all participants for their contribution. “Our journey to full membership of the WTO is a testament to our determination and collective efforts. The submission of these documents is not just a procedural formality, but a statement of our readiness to assume the responsibilities and opportunities that come with joining the WTO”.

Timor-Leste’s accession to the WTO will significantly improve infrastructure development, human capital, and legislative and policy reforms. It will support the implementation of the necessary structural, legislative and domestic policy reforms to meet WTO commitments.

Furthermore, the National Assembly approved the Instrument of Acceptance of the Fisheries Subsidies Agreement on 10 July 2024, highlighting Timor-Leste’s commitment to promoting blue economy initiatives and reinforcing the Government’s priority for economic diversification.

Deputy Prime Minister Francisco Calbuadi Rei further added that “In order to fully implement our WTO commitments and take advantage of the opportunities of WTO accession, the support of WTO members and our development partners remains critical. As we embark on a new chapter, we are confident that with your support we will not only deliver on our commitments but also make a positive contribution to the global trading system.”

After joining the WTO, the Timor-Leste Government is committed to meeting the challenges through sustained efforts to undertake necessary reforms, build capacity and implement strategic policies. This will better prepare Timor-Leste for regional economic integration and cooperation, especially with its upcoming full membership of ASEAN by 2025 in principle and participation in future free trade agreements.

As Timor-Leste takes its place on the global stage, the Government is optimistic that WTO accession will be a catalyst for sustainable economic growth, creating an environment where trade thrives and benefits are shared by all Timorese people.