30 June 2026

The Government of Timor-Leste continues to strengthen its commitment to fulfilling its post-accession obligations under the World Trade Organization (WTO) by advancing preparations to accede to the WTO Government Procurement Agreement (GPA) 2012.

Following Timor-Leste’s accession to the WTO on 30 August 2024, the Government has identified accession to the GPA as one of its strategic priorities to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency in public procurement. GPA accession forms part of Timor-Leste’s broader economic reform agenda to align its public procurement system with international standards, improve public sector governance, and strengthen investor confidence.

As part of this commitment, the Council of Ministers approved Government Decree No. 24/2026, authorizing the implementation of Timor-Leste’s WTO commitments related to the Government Procurement Agreement. Building upon this important milestone, the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, through the Strategy Unit for Economic Integration (SUEI), convened the First National Coordination Meeting on the WTO Government Procurement Agreement (GPA) on Tuesday, 30 June 2026, in Dili.

The meeting brought together designated focal points from line ministries and government institutions to establish a coordinated national mechanism to support Timor-Leste’s GPA accession process and ensure effective inter-ministerial cooperation throughout the negotiations.

The meeting aimed to Strengthen the understanding of government institutions regarding Timor-Leste’s WTO commitments under the Government Procurement Agreement; Introduce the legal, institutional, and procedural framework governing the GPA accession process; and Define the respective roles and responsibilities of ministries and government agencies in preparing Timor-Leste’s market access commitments and negotiating position.

The WTO Government Procurement Agreement (GPA) 2012 is a plurilateral agreement that promotes open, transparent, fair, and competitive government procurement among its Parties based on the principle of reciprocity. Beyond providing market access opportunities, the Agreement strengthens good governance by establishing internationally recognized rules that ensure transparency, non-discrimination, and integrity in public procurement.

Countries that become Parties to the GPA benefit from more efficient public procurement systems, improved value for public expenditure, greater competition among suppliers, and increased confidence among domestic and international investors. The Agreement also provides legal guarantees of non-discriminatory treatment for suppliers from GPA Parties in procurement activities covered by each Party’s commitments.
Timor-Leste’s preparation for GPA accession reflects the Government’s strong commitment to strengthening public sector governance, improving transparency and accountability in the management of public resources, and creating a predictable, rules-based, and competitive business environment that supports sustainable economic growth and long-term development.

Speaking on behalf of the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, the Coordinator of the Strategy Unit for Economic Integration (SUEI), Leonito de Jesus Soares, emphasized that successful accession to the GPA will require strong coordination across government institutions and sustained technical preparation throughout the negotiation process.

“The establishment of an inter-ministerial coordination mechanism marks an important milestone in ensuring that Timor-Leste is well prepared to engage in negotiations with the WTO GPA Parties. Successful accession will depend on the active participation and close collaboration of all relevant ministries and institutions as we work together to implement our international commitments and strengthen our public procurement system.”

As Timor-Leste continues its journey as one of the WTO’s newest Members, accession to the Government Procurement Agreement represents another significant milestone in the country’s economic integration. It demonstrates Timor-Leste’s commitment to international best practices, institutional reform, transparent governance, and a rules-based trading system that supports inclusive and sustainable national development.