The Training Course in Preparation for the Inter - Ministerial Technical Working Group for ASEAN Application took place between 17 and 22 February 2020. Thirteen participants from 5 Timorese agencies, namely Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Ministry of Commerce, Tourism and Industry, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Ministry of Finance, and TradeInvest attended the course. Its main objectives were to enhance knowledge of the ASEAN Community, in particular the ASEAN Economic Community, and to facilitate Timor Leste.He highlighted the fact that the training course has shown itself to be an outstanding example of the two countries’ productive collaboration as well as reflecting the Timorese side’s firm determination to pursue the country’s goal of applying for ASEAN Membership. 

During the training course, the participants had opportunities to gain in-depth knowledge and information on ASEAN Community building, the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), core AEC legal instruments, Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). There were also opportunities for extensive discussions and exchange of views between participants and speakers. Trade negotiation skills were also included in the training program. A one-day trip on 22 February 2020 to the Emerald Buddha Temple in Bangkok was also arranged to enable the participants to gain insight into Thai history, culture and tradition.