DILI, 27 March 2026 (TATOLI) — Timor-Leste has convened a two-day high-level policy dialogue in Dili aimed at translating its recent accession to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) into concrete economic and development outcomes.
The dialogue, titled “Timor-Leste in ASEAN: Advancing National Development Goals through Regional Integration,” is organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, acting as the country’s ASEAN National Secretariat, in partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the ASEAN Secretariat.
Held at the Palm Springs Hotel, the meeting brings together senior government officials, representatives from ASEAN member states, development partners, private sector leaders and regional experts to identify practical strategies for maximizing the benefits of regional integration.
The event marks a key milestone following Timor-Leste’s formal accession to ASEAN last year, underscoring the government’s focus on leveraging membership to drive economic growth, strengthen institutions and promote inclusive development.
Opening the dialogue, Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry Marcos da Cruz said aligning national reforms with regional frameworks is critical to improving competitiveness and resilience.
Vice-Minister for ASEAN Affairs Milena Rangel called for a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to ensure the country fully capitalizes on opportunities within ASEAN.
ADB Vice President for East and Southeast Asia and the Pacific Scott Morris reaffirmed the bank’s continued support, highlighting investments in infrastructure, connectivity, trade facilitation and private sector development as key to delivering tangible benefits from integration.
Discussions are centered on priority areas including economic diversification, trade and investment expansion, human capital development, infrastructure and connectivity, and private sector growth.
Participants are also addressing structural constraints such as limited institutional capacity and infrastructure gaps.
A key feature of the dialogue is the presentation of the National ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Implementation Roadmap 2026–2030, which outlines policy reforms and priority actions to support Timor-Leste’s integration into ASEAN’s economic frameworks.
The program also includes peer learning sessions with representatives from Cambodia and Laos, focusing on lessons learned in leveraging ASEAN membership for national development.
On the second day, discussions shifted to the private sector, with participation from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Timor-Leste, micro, small and medium enterprises, and women and youth entrepreneurs. The session will explore policy reforms needed to foster a more dynamic and inclusive business environment.
The dialogue is expected to strengthen coordination across government institutions, generate evidence-based policy recommendations and deepen partnerships with development partners and the private sector.
As ASEAN’s newest member, Timor-Leste is seeking to ensure that regional integration delivers broad-based and lasting benefits for its population.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
