DILI, 28 February 2025 (TATOLI) – Minister of Commerce and Industry of Timor-Leste, Nino Pereira, held a bilateral meeting with ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn on the sidelines of the 31st ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Retreat (AEM Retreat) in Desaru, Johor, Malaysia.
The objective of the meeting was to exchange views on the progress of Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN, with a particular focus on its integration into the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC).
Minister Nino Pereira provided an update on Timor-Leste’s progress in aligning with ASEAN Economic Community Legal Instruments, reaffirming Timor-Leste’s commitment to meeting ASEAN’s economic requirements. He expressed gratitude for the continued technical assistance and capacity-building support from the ASEAN Secretariat (ASEC) and ASEAN Member States (AMS), emphasizing the need for sustained cooperation to ensure a smooth integration into the regional bloc.
Kao acknowledged Timor-Leste’s significant progress toward full ASEAN membership and encouraged the technical officials from the Government of Timor-Leste to actively participate in ASEAN meetings. He underscored the importance of Timor-Leste providing its perspectives on key agenda items discussed within ASEAN meetings.
The Secretary-General also highlighted that one of the key objectives of the 31st AEM Retreat was to discuss Timor-Leste’s accession and its economic integration. He recommended the Government of Timor-Leste to engage the private sector in the accession process, emphasizing the private sector’s role in strengthening economic ties within ASEAN. Additionally, he reaffirmed ASEAN Secretariat’s commitment to supporting Timor-Leste’s integration efforts through capacity-building initiatives.
Timor-Leste continues to work towards full ASEAN membership, with economic integration remaining a top priority in its access.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
