Timor-Leste Nears ASEAN Membership, Ambassador Confirms

Kuala Lumpur, February 2025 – Timor-Leste is making significant strides toward becoming a full-fledged member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), according to the country’s Ambassador to Malaysia, Lisualdo Gaspar.

In an interview with Malaysian news agency Bernama, Gaspar highlighted that since gaining observer status in 2022, Timor-Leste has been actively engaging in ASEAN affairs and steadily advancing its accession process.

Following the endorsement of an official roadmap for membership in 2023, the country has been diligently working to meet the outlined criteria. The ambassador noted that Timor-Leste has already fulfilled nearly seven out of the ten required conditions.

Gaspar further emphasized that while Timor-Leste has fully aligned with ASEAN’s political and socio-cultural pillars, it is currently addressing compliance with 62 economic instruments—approximately 70% of which have already been completed.

Expressing appreciation for the support of ASEAN member states, particularly Malaysia, Gaspar acknowledged the technical assistance provided in preparing Timor-Leste’s officials for integration into the regional bloc. He reiterated that ASEAN accession remains a national priority and expressed optimism that the process would be finalized under Malaysia’s chairmanship.

Beyond ASEAN integration, Timor-Leste is actively working to diversify its economy, which has long depended on oil and gas revenues. Key priorities include strengthening the agriculture sector to enhance food security and income generation, while tourism and hospitality are identified as potential drivers of economic growth. The country is also advancing efforts to establish a petrochemical industry, including oil refining and LNG processing facilities, to create employment opportunities and stimulate economic development.

Additionally, Timor-Leste is in the final stages of installing a nationwide fiber-optic network, a move expected to accelerate digitalization and align with ASEAN’s Digital Economy Framework. The adoption of a National Single Window for trade facilitation further underscores its commitment to integrating seamlessly into regional markets.

With these strategic initiatives, Timor-Leste is positioning itself as a proactive and forward-thinking nation, ready to contribute meaningfully to the ASEAN community while strengthening its economic and geopolitical standing within the region.

Media Laloran Tasi Mane

5 Fevereiru, 2025