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The European Union continues supporting Youth to better understand ASEAN

The European Union (EU), through the International Trade Centre (ITC)-implemented project “Support to Regional Integration and Trade”, in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation and the Asosiasaun Juventude Hakbi'it Justisa Timor-Leste (AJHJ-TL), delivered a second full-day workshop for AJHJ-TL members on ASEAN trade in services rules and the interpretation of services schedules of commitments.

ITC
© ITC26

 

Held at the Pro Ema Meeting Room, the workshop provided participants with the opportunity to strengthen their understanding of the legal frameworks governing trade in services, which will play an important role in Timor-Leste's economic integration into ASEAN.

The outreach forms part of the European Union's ongoing commitment to strengthening Timor-Leste's institutional and human capacity to better understand and implement ASEAN economic agreements. Building on the success of the first outreach session, this second workshop further enhanced participants' understanding of the legal architecture governing ASEAN trade in services. It also promoted discussion on the practicalities of the ASEAN Movement of Natural Persons Agreement (MNP).

A key feature of the workshop was its practical and interactive approach. Rather than focusing solely on legal theory, participants worked through hypothetical case studies to interpret schedules of commitments, identify the applicable modes of supply, distinguish between market access and national treatment obligations, and assess how international commitments interact with domestic regulatory measures. This case-based methodology enabled participants to develop a practical understanding of how international trade rules are applied in real-world situations.

As Timor-Leste advances towards full participation in the ASEAN Economic Community, developing a strong national understanding of regional trade rules will be essential to ensuring that the opportunities created by ASEAN integration translate into sustainable economic growth, stronger institutions, and greater opportunities for Timorese businesses and professionals.

The workshop concluded with a summary of the key lessons learned and a discussion on the way forward to further equip AJHJ-TL members with the knowledge and skills needed to engage meaningfully in Timor-Leste's regional economic integration process.

The outreach forms part of a broader programme of capacity-building activities organised by the European Union in partnership with Timorese civil society organisations. The programme aims to promote legal empowerment, strengthen civil society engagement, and build the human capacity necessary for Timor-Leste to maximise the benefits of ASEAN membership.