DILI, 04 November 2025 (TATOLI) – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation (MNEC), through the Directorate-General for ASEAN Affairs (DGAA), has launched the Post-Accession Workshop on Understanding and Implementing Timor-Leste’s ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Commitments from 4 to 6 November 2025 at Hotel Timor, Dili.
The workshop marks a significant milestone in Timor-Leste’s journey as the 11th Member State of ASEAN, following its historic accession on 26 October 2025. It represents the country’s transition from accession to implementation, focusing on how to translate ASEAN commitments into national policies and actions.
Held under the theme “Beyond Accession: Forging Timor-Leste’s National AEC Implementation Roadmap 2026–2030,” the three-day event aims to deepen understanding of ASEAN’s economic frameworks, share lessons from other ASEAN Member States (AMS), and identify practical steps to strengthen Timor-Leste’s participation in regional trade, investment, and sectoral integration.
In alignment with the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairmanship theme “Navigate our Future, Together,” the workshop reaffirms Timor-Leste’s commitment to work collectively with fellow ASEAN Member States in advancing a shared vision for economic resilience, inclusivity, and sustainable growth. It reflects Timor-Leste’s dedication to navigating its ASEAN journey with unity, purpose, and cooperation as part of the broader ASEAN Community.
This three-day workshop features plenary presentations, experience-sharing sessions, and focused discussions on trade in goods and services, investment, digital economy, air transport, and institutional readiness. It brings together senior officials from ASEAN Member States – namely Cambodia, Lao PDR, and VietNam as well as from ASEAN Secretariat and the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), alongside representatives from Timor-Leste’s government ministries, private sector, civil society, youth, and academia.
The workshop is made possible through the support of Australia’s PROSIVU (Parceria ba Prosperidade Inklusivu / Partnership for Inclusive Prosperity), the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the European Union through the International Trade Centre (ITC), and the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA). Their contributions have been instrumental in providing technical expertise, facilitating ASEAN expert participation, and fostering dialogue on sustainable and inclusive economic integration for Timor-Leste.
The Government of Timor-Leste expresses its sincere appreciation to Australia’s PROSIVU, ADB, the EU–ITC, and ERIA for their steadfast partnership and continued support. This collaboration reflects the shared commitment to ensure that Timor-Leste’s integration into the ASEAN Economic Community delivers tangible benefits for its people, strengthens institutional capacities, and contributes to a more connected, inclusive, and resilient ASEAN Community.
Editor: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
