Speech by UN Resident Coordinator on Second National Conference of the Timor-Leste Electronic Single Window

Vice Prime Minister and Minister Coordinator for Economic Affairs and Minister of Tourism and Environment, H.E. Mr. Francisco Kalbuadi Lay

The President of the Commission C of the National Parliament, Ms. Cedelizia Faria dos Santos

The President of the Commission C of the National Parliament, Mr. Ricardo Baptista

Minister of Finance, H.E. Ms. Santina Cardoso

Distinguished members of the Government of IX Constitutional Government of Timor-Leste

The President of Special Administrative Region of Oecusse, H.E. Mr. Arsenio Paixão Bano

General Commissioner of PNTL, Chief Superintendent, Henrique da Costa

Commissioner of Customs Authority, Mr. Jose Antonio Fatima Abilio

Excellency Ambassadors and Representatives of Diplomatic Missions

The Vice President of Chamber of Commerce of Timor-Leste for Exports and Imports, Ms. Claricia Lay

Development Partners

Media Colleagues

The Regional Coordinator for ASYCUDA/UNCTAD in Asia, Marianne Dumont; and

UN Colleagues

Distinguished Guests

Ladies and Gentlemen!

Good Morning!

It is a great pleasure to be here today on behalf of the United Nations in Timor-Leste. Let me start by congratulating everyone here on the Second National Conference on the Timor-Leste Electronic Single Window.

I am pleased to witness another milestone in the ongoing cooperation between the Government of Timor-Leste and the United Nations in the field of international trade. This cooperation, wherein the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development – UNCTAD, through its largest technical cooperation program, the "ASYCUDA Program," has been a long-trusted partner in developing an automated system for customs processes since the inception of the Customs Service in the country in the early 2000s, demonstrates that Timor-Leste has indeed benefited from its partnership with the United Nations. The significant increase in revenues in 2022 compared to previous years, the simplification of the application process, and the enhancement of transparency are some of the highlights marking the tangible benefits of the automated system, which has been installed and functioned well for all stakeholders, including public services and the traders' community.

The United Nations, serving as an enabler, facilitator, and extended arm of the Government of Timor-Leste, stands firmly in its commitment to support the nation's development. We are here not as mere observers but as active partners, working closely with the government to achieve its vision for the country. Our role is not just about providing assistance; it's about empowering Timor-Leste to take the lead in its own development journey.

The United Nations and all its agencies in Timor-Leste will continue to work alongside the Government of Timor-Leste as a partner of choice for its economic development and the country's ongoing efforts to accede to full membership in both the WTO and ASEAN.

Excellencies, Ladies, and Gentlemen,

It is understood that the ninth constitutional government has embraced e-government as one of the initiatives to be pursued under its commitment to good governance and fighting corruption. The ASYCUDA program's contribution in automating the customs clearance process in Timor-Leste is just one facet of improving business processes in public services, which entails efficiency, increased revenue, and transparency. The United Nations, in its role as an enabler and facilitator, will continue to collaborate with the government in the international trade arena, supporting Timor-Leste as the country moves toward achieving its development goals as outlined in the strategic development plan.

In my capacity as the United Nations Resident Coordinator in this country, I will continue to facilitate the involvement of more UN agencies as an extended arm of the Government, enhancing partnerships and support for Timor-Leste as it pursues its aspirations for modernization in public services, including in the areas of trade facilitation in the years to come.

I wish you all a successful conference, and thank you!