Dili, March 28, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The Press Council, in collaboration with the Strategic Unit for Integration under the Office of the Minister Coordinator for Economic Affairs (MCAE), held its first-ever dialogue aimed at enhancing media knowledge and improving editors’ understanding of Timor-Leste’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO). The dialogue carried the general theme: “Strengthening Partnerships with the Media on Timor-Leste’s Full Membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO).” The event took place in the CCD hall at Mercado Lama, Dili.
The President of the Press Council, Otelio Ote, stated that today’s event was organized in collaboration with the Office of the Minister Coordinator for Economic Affairs. The objective is to enhance knowledge and improve the technical and professional intellectual capacity of media professionals and editors regarding Timor-Leste’s accession to the WTO. Additionally, it serves as a mechanism to further strengthen coordination and communication between the media and the Government of Timor-Leste.
“As you all know, the Press Council is an independent state body in terms of administration and finances. We serve as a regulatory body for the media, particularly for media outlets that bring together journalists to carry out their duties. One of our competencies is to enhance the technical, professional, and intellectual capacity of journalists in each institution where they work. Through this forum, we play an important role in strengthening journalists’ capacities,” said the President of the Press Council, Otelio Ote.
He stated that journalists and editors are already somewhat familiar with the World Trade Organization (WTO). Some may already have knowledge about it, while others may not, due to limited access to information regarding the WTO. Therefore, dialogues like this are important for journalists to better understand the process of Timor-Leste’s accession to WTO membership.
“When we talk about the World Trade Organization (WTO) or any other international organization, there will always be debates about whether or not our nation should join. That is why dialogues like this are essential to further enhance the technical, professional, and intellectual capacity of journalists so they can better understand the issue. We know that before the WTO comes to our country, it itself faces various challenges. However, this is part of government policy. Whether sooner or later, Timor-Leste must define its position to become a partner of the World Trade Organization (WTO),” stated the President of the Press Council, Otelio Ote.
He added that the process must follow the necessary steps according to the existing framework. The role of the media remains crucial, as it serves as an informant, educator, watchdog, and entertainer. Among these four roles, the educational and informational aspects are particularly important. It is essential to provide clear and accurate information to the community so they can better understand what is happening both domestically and internationally, as well as gain deeper knowledge about the WTO.
The Coordinating Director of MCAE, Jorge Rui de Carvalho Martins, stated that today’s meeting is the first encounter with all media. This meeting aims to discuss and review Timor-Leste’s accession as a full member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), as the country is currently in the post-accession phase of becoming a full WTO member.
“We still have an agenda that has not yet been fully completed, which concerns legislation. We have 21 laws and regulations from various sectors, including Agriculture, the Ministry of Justice, Health, Transport and Communications, and Trade and Industry, which are currently under MCAE’s responsibility. Among these, four laws and regulations have already been finalized by MCAE and approved by the Council of Ministers. Two others are still in the ratification process in the National Parliament. One of these laws concerns the protection of investors, individuals, companies, or groups that take out loans from banks. This is the first law. Another law, which has now been submitted to Parliament, concerns market access for all citizens. The entire process is complete—we are only waiting for ratification and approval by the Council of Ministers,” said the Coordinating Director of MCAE, Jorge Rui de Carvalho Martins.
He stated that moving forward, there will be an agenda called “Transparency Notification,“ which aims to alert the 165 full WTO member countries about Timor-Leste’s plan regarding the Trade Facilitation Agreement categories. This notification has already been submitted and sent to the WTO Secretariat, and they are now waiting for feedback or results.
“We will continue to disseminate information like this through the media, local government, and relevant entities, including society. Our team will also go on to introduce MCAE’s agenda for Timor-Leste’s post-accession to the WTO, which is approaching,” stated the Coordinating Director of MCAE.
An important point from today’s dialogue is to provide information to the media and the MCAE team, as well as to the Strategic Unit for Economic Integration team, regarding the importance of the media in providing information, educating the public, and serving as social communicators. The media plays a key role in ensuring communication on all issues is clear and balanced, allowing the public to access information that journalists provide, both positive and negative, from their perspectives on the policies that the government is implementing in the country.
“The goal is to show the media’s role as an educator and social communicator, providing the public with information about what is happening, allowing them to access accurate information,” stated the Coordinating Director of MCAE, Jorge Rui de Carvalho Martins.
The dialogue was attended by the President of the Press Council and its structure, the Coordinating Director of MCAE and its structure, journalists from different media outlets, editors, newsroom chiefs, community radio representatives, and journalist associations.
Reported by : Domingas
Picture by : Domingas