GENEVA — The Government of Timor-Leste through Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Minister of Tourism and the Environment Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, submitted a request to the World Trade Organization (WTO) for Timor-Leste to become a full member of the organization on August 30, 2024.
Deputy Prime – Minister Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, said during his speech at the General Council Meeting of the WTO session to all WTO member countries that the Government of Timor-Leste asked for full members on that day because August 30 is a historic day for Timor-Leste. That day is the 25th anniversary of the Referendum, or Public Consultation (30 August 1999–30 August 2024).
“We request to become an official member of the WTO by August 30, 2024. This date holds significant meaning for us, as it marks the day when the Timorese people determinates the future of the country. We are hopeful that on August 30, the Timorese people will not only celebrate our "Popular Consultation Day" but also celebrate another historical moment as we officially join the WTO family.”
