The National Parliament has approved, in final global vote, the project No. 20/VI (3rd) – Export Promotion Law, with 56 votes in favor, 0 against and 0 abstentions.

The draft law had previously been endorsed by the Council of Ministers on March 12, 2025, following a proposal by Deputy Prime Minister Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, in his capacity as Minister Coordinator for Economic Affairs.

This approval marks an important step in the country’s efforts to diversify the national economy and reduce reliance on revenues from the Petroleum Fund. The legislation establishes a legal framework designed to facilitate and encourage the export of goods and services, strengthen private sector competitiveness, and create more favorable conditions for foreign trade and investment.

The law is aligned with the Strategic National Development Plan and with Timor-Leste’s international commitments, including those under the World Trade Organization and the ASEAN integration process.

Key measures include the simplification of export procedures through reduced administrative requirements, the introduction of tax and administrative incentives for exporting companies, and the formal recognition of certified entities. The legislation also provides for the establishment of a one-stop shop to support exporters, capacity-building initiatives for small and medium-sized enterprises, and the promotion of economic zones oriented toward external markets.

The plenary session was chaired by the President of the National Parliament, Maria Fernanda Lay, and attended by the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Nino Pereira, as well as the Deputy Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Adérito Hugo da Costa.