2017-2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The purpose of the USAID-funded Customs Reform Project is to support the Government of Timor-Leste (GOTL) Fiscal Reform Plan by improving the efficiency of international and cross border trade and transit.  A cornerstone of the GOTL’s Fiscal Reform Plan has been reform in the Customs sector as one of the four main priority areas for diversifying government revenue. 

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Through this activity, IBI assists the GOTL and its private sector counterparts to reduce trading costs through implementing international best-practice customs clearance and transit procedures. The project, which is broken down into three closely related outcomes, is assisting the GOTL in creating a more effective business enabling environment, promoting both domestic and foreign investment in the country, increasing non-oil and gas revenues, and supporting Timor-Leste’s accession to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the World Trade Organization (WTO). 

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Project outcomes are being achieved through three major work streams: 

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• Modernization of customs procedures in accordance with the Revised Kyoto Convention 

• Building of a culture of integrity with zero tolerance for corruption through implementation of the World Customs Organization Revised Arusha Declaration 

• Establishment of a Timor-Leste National Trade Information Portal to ensure easy and convenient access to trade related data via a single website.