Dili, 24 June 2024 – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperations (MNEC), supported by Australia’s Partnership for Inclusive Prosperity (PROSIVU) program, will host a training workshop on “Timor-Leste’s Accession and Integration to ASEAN Economic Community – Trade and Investment Negotiation” from 24 to 28 June 2024 at Novo Turismo Hotel, Dili, Timor-Leste.

Timor-Leste is preparing to adhere to various agreements, protocols and legal frameworks under ASEAN, including the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC). These include meeting requirements for market access in goods, services and investment. To support these efforts, MNEC and Australia’s PROSIVU program have brought together government officials from relevant ministries, as well as negotiators and technical staff, to go through five days of rigorous trade negotiation training. The training workshop will enhance the participants’ knowledge and skills and help prepare them to negotiate on the international stage with other ASEAN countries.

Vice Minister for ASEAN affairs, H.E. Milena Rangel said “As part of the process of joining ASEAN, the country must be ready for various trade negotiations with the member countries. Hence, this training is a way to prepare current and future trade negotiators to represent our country. This training is a way to introduce officials to the dynamics of trade negotiations in ASEAN.”

On the same occasion, the Australian Ambassador, H.E. Caitlin Wilson said: “This training is important to equip Government of Timor-Leste officials with the negotiation experience to maximize the benefits of ASEAN for the people of Timor-Leste. Australia is proud to partner with MNEC in organizing this comprehensive training program. Moreover, Australia looks forward to providing continued support to the Government of Timor-Leste as it undertakes the ASEAN ascension and integration process.”

Media contact person:
Joanico Sarmento Gomes, National Director for Media Department, MFAC at
Email:  sarmentogomes2014@gmail.com   or tlf: +670 76274180

PROSIVU Communications and Consultation Adviser, Renato Da Costa at
Email: Renato.dacosta@prosivu tl or tlf: +670 77884674