Dili, June 2, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The Ministry of Economic Affairs Coordination (MCAE), in collaboration with the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the International Trade Center (ITC), held a four-day national workshop aimed at deepening understanding of the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA 2012) following Timor-Leste’s official accession to the WTO on August 30, 2024.
MCAE Coordinator, Jorge Rui de Carvalho Martins, stated that Timor-Leste, as a full member of the WTO, continues to submit to the GPA Committee through formal commitments to begin the application process for GPA membership, in accordance with the plurilateral agreement among WTO members, especially those already part of the GPA, which connects to the global procurement system.
“We have the right to be included in the GPA as a developing country. Therefore, we must consider how to align our strategies based on our domestic needs,” said MCAE Coordinator Jorge Rui de Carvalho Martins.
He added that moving forward, the National Procurement Authority will lead the upcoming workshop sessions over the four days. MCAE will act as a facilitator to ensure effective participation in the GPA, which is deemed highly important.
“We know that many conventions require Timor-Leste to take part in certain procedures to access international funds, and these funds are often linked to goods procurement and services. For this reason, our government through the Ministry of Finance has provided access via its own website, along with other official government portals, to facilitate transparency for the Timorese people,” he added.
The Coordinator emphasized that the government, through its ministerial lines, continues working together and seeking all means to improve systems. Since becoming a full WTO member last year, Timor-Leste is now taking steps toward also becoming a GPA member.
“The main objective of this activity is to expose our procurement system to the international community and to strengthen the capacity of our ministries in understanding the topics being discussed. This will help improve and reinforce our existing procurement system,” he explained.
He further stated that, before Timor-Leste joined the WTO, the country had already developed a legal framework consisting of 21 instruments, mostly finance-related, which are now being submitted to the National Parliament for ratification. It is expected that these laws will be approved within this year, becoming legal instruments that will allow Timor-Leste to compete in the global market.
“Preparations have been ongoing from the beginning. Right now, we are preparing the ministry and officials to work diligently so we can fully comply with the necessary systems. MCAE is making every effort to fulfill this task within this month,” said Coordinator Jorge Rui.
He reiterated that MCAE is actively working to support all policies focused on inclusive economic growth, particularly job creation and income generation opportunities, so that people can sustain their livelihoods.
To clarify further, this national workshop on the Government Procurement Agreement is jointly organized by the Office of the Minister Coordinator for Economic Affairs (MCAE), the WTO, the ITC, and is supported by the European Union (EU) and the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF). Participants include officials from various government ministries and universities.
Report: Domingas
Photo: Domingas