DILI, 11 March 2025 (TATOLI) – The Government of Timor-Leste, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation and in partnership with the ASEAN Secretariat (ASEC) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), organize Phase 2 of the Capacity Building Program (CBP 2.0) to support Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN.
Phase 2 of CBP (CBP 2.0) will take place from 11 to 13 March 2025 with a three-day refresher and progress update.
The CBP 2.0 reinforces key learnings from the first phase while introducing new priority areas identified in the Roadmap for Timor-Leste’s Full Membership in ASEAN.
Topics include understanding ASEAN’s economic frameworks, institutional arrangements, and the Priority One Agreements under Annex 2 of the Roadmap. In addition, CBP 2.0 also deliver tailored training programs for officials from specific line ministries and agencies to address sector-specific needs and challenges related to implementing ASEAN Economic Agreements.
In her remark, ADB Country Director in Timor-Leste Stefania Dina said that the Asian Development Bank has been a steadfast partner in Timor-Leste’s journey toward ASEAN membership since 2012. “Our support continues through a comprehensive technical assistance package titled ‘Capacity for Multilateral and Regional Economic Integration,’ valued at US$2.3 million for the period 2020–2026. This package provides extensive support for accession, including technical advice, institutional development, advocacy, and progress monitoring.”
“A key component of this support is the Capacity Building Program (CBP), which we have implemented in collaboration with the ASEAN Secretariat. The CBP equips Timorese officials with the skills and knowledge necessary to participate effectively in ASEAN mechanisms and implement core ASEAN economic agreements. This program is not only about technical readiness but also about fostering a deeper understanding of ASEAN’s vision and values,”
She recalled that the first phase of the CBP, over the past two years, has been structured into four clusters: “It has introduced participants to the ASEAN Economic Community’s institutional setup and key agreements on trade, investment, and services. The second phase of the CBP builds on this foundation, strengthening understanding and going deeper into new and highly technical areas under the Roadmap.”
Dina concluded her remark by reaffirming ADB’s commitment to working with the government of Timor-Leste, ASEAN member states, the ASEAN Secretariat, and development partners to facilitate a successful accession.
On behalf of the government of Timor-Leste, Vice-Minister for ASEAN Affairs Milena Maria da Costa Rangel thanked the ASEAN Secretariat and ADB for their collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation (MoFAC) in strengthening Timor-Leste’s institutional and human resource capacity to engage effectively in the country’s regional integration process.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
